Kiyomizudera Temple: Kyoto's best tourist spot for sceneries

Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.
Many structures, including national treasures and important cultural properties, are clustered here.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and beautiful snowy scenery in winter.
In autumn, the autumn leaves are illuminated at night, which creates a mystical sight.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the history of Kiyomizudera Temple, a guide to the temple grounds, recommended souvenirs, nearby dining spots, and how to access the temple.
We hope you will find it useful when you visit Kiyomizudera Temple!

Contents

1. About Kiyomizudera Temple
2. What to see at Kiyomizudera Temple
   • Kiyomizu-no-butai
   • Otowa Waterfalls
   • Three-Storied Pagoda
3. History of Kiyomizudera Temple
4. Recommended Souvenirs near Kiyomizudera Temple
5. Recommended Dining Spots near Kiyomizudera Temple
6. Access to Kiyomizudera Temple
7. Kiyomizudera Temple Basic Information

1. About Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple is officially called the Otowayama Kiyomizudera Temple.
The temple was founded in 778 by the monk Enchin and Buddhism has since then been widely worshipped.
The main deity is the Eleven-Faced, Thousand-Armed Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy)
With eleven facial expressions and forty-two hands, the goddess is said to show great compassion and save people from suffering.
In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".
There are many attractions on the temple grounds, including the Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu), Otowa Waterfall, and the three-storied pagoda.

2. What to see at Kiyomizudera Temple

The precincts of Kiyomizudera Temple are large and offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful architecture.
The following are some of the best spots.

Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu)

The stage of Kiyomizu is the symbol of Kiyomizudera Temple.
The stage, which rises 13 meters above the cliff, is equivalent to a four-storey building and offers a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto.
The stage of Kiyomizu is constructed using a traditional Japanese construction method called kakezukuri.
Kakezukuri is a method in which latticework of lumber supports each other, making it possible to build a highly earthquake-resistant structure even on cliffs, which are difficult to build on.
They do not depend on nails at all.
The current stage, which was rebuilt in 1633, has withstood numerous disasters throughout history and continues to support the stage to this day.

Otowa Waterfall

Otowa-no-Taki (Otowa Waterfalls) is the origin of the name Kiyomizudera Temple.
Kiyomizudera (清水寺) when written in Kanji means "temple where holy water flows".
This place where "holy water flows" is in the Otowa Waterfalls.
Otowa Waterfalls are divided into three waterfalls, each of which is said to be beneficial for academic achievement, love fulfilment, and health and longevity.

Three-Storied Pagoda

Designated as an National Important Cultural Property, the three-storey pagoda is approximately 30 meters high and was rebuilt in 1632.
The graceful vermilion colored pagoda is an important element of the Kiyomizudera landscape.

3. History of Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple is said to have been founded by the monk Enchin in 778.
Enchin received a prophecy in a dream and found a waterfall with clear water on Mount Otowa in Kyoto.
This was the beginning of Kiyomizudera Temple.
Kiyomizudera Temple has long been worshipped by people and loved by everyone from the general public to aristocrats.

4. Recommended Souvenirs near Kiyomizudera Temple

The path to Kiyomizudera Temple offers various souvenirs unique to Kyoto, such as Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics, Kyoto sweets, and pickles.

Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics

Kiyomizu-yaki is a traditional handicraft representing Kyoto, and there are many Kiyomizu-yaki stores in the Kiyomizu-dera Temple area.
They are characterized by their fine and beautiful decorations.
There are various products such as teacups, chopstick rests, so find your favorite Kiyomizu-yaki in Kyoto!
Asahido have been specializing in Kiyomizure ware since 1870, and have one of the highest quality traditional crafts, such as porcelains.
Asahido Official Website

Matcha sweets

The Kiyomizudera area is home to many famous matcha green tea sweets stores from all over Kyoto.
Famous matcha sweets such as "Kyo Baum" are very popular among Japanese people.
Kyo Baum Official Website

Japanese Cosmetics

In Kyoto, a city with thriving performing arts of maiko, geisha, and kabuki, how about looking for quality and particular cosmetics?
Yojiya was popular in Kyoto's thriving entertainment culture, specialising in stage makeup.
Yojiya Official Website

5. Recommended Dining Spots near Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, including Kyoto cuisine, udon, ramen, and more.

Kyoto Cuisine at "Kikunoi Honten"

Udon Noodles at "Hisago Higashiyama"

This cozy and simple restaurant is popular for its traditional oyakodon.
Udon and soba noodles are also popular.
Address: 484 Shimokawara-machi 4-chome, Arashiyama-ku, Kyoto 〒605-0825
Opening hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30am-16:00pm
Closed on Fridays, and public holidays
Telephone number: 050-5485-8128
Hisago Official Website

Japanese Noodle at “Japanese Noodle Issunbosi"

In addition to the stores introduced here, there are many other cafes and eating spots along the Kiyomizu-dera approach, so please enjoy shopping and eating!

6. Access to Kiyomizudera Temple

From JR Kyoto Station

Take Kyoto City Transportation Bureau (city bus) No. 206 to Higashiyama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal or No. 100 to Kiyomizudera Gion Ginkakuji, get off at Gojozaka bus stop and walk 10 minutes.
Take Kyoto Bus (available only on weekends and holidays) No. 18 to Ohara, get off at Gojozaka bus stop and walk 10 minutes.

From Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo-Kawaramachi) of Hankyu Railway and Gion-Shijo Station of Keihan Railway

Take Kyoto City Transportation Bureau (city bus) No. 207 to Tofukuji/Kujo Shako, get off at Kiyomizu-michi bus stop and walk 10 minutes.
Take Keihan Bus No. 83, 85, 87, 88, etc. to Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka and get off at Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. 10 minutes walk.

From Shimizu Gojo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Line

Approximately 25 minutes by foot

From Shichijo Station, Keihan Electric Railway

Take Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau (city bus) No. 206 to Higashiyama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal or No. 100 to Kiyomizu-dera Gion Ginkakuji, get off at Gojozaka and walk 10 minutes.

7. Kiyomizudera Temple Basic Information

Official Name: Otowayama Kiyomizudera
Address: 294-1 Kiyomizu, Arashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening hours: 6:00am-18:00pm (open until 18:30 in July and August)
Closed days: None
Telephone number: 075-551-1234
Kiyomizudera Official Website

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Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.

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