Kiyomizu-dera
清水寺
The overhanging Kiyomizu Stage looks out over the whole city of Kyoto. Together with Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda, it forms Kyoto's most classic kimono stroll. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778. It enshrines the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Its main hall was fully restored in 2020. Its centerpiece is the Kiyomizu Stage, which projects out over the cliff in front of the main hall. It is supported by 139 zelkova pillars built without a single nail and stands about 13 m high. From the stage you can look over the city of Kyoto. In spring with cherry blossoms and in autumn with maple leaves, the stage is surrounded by flowers and red foliage, the image most associated with Kyoto. The Japanese idiom 'to jump off the Kiyomizu Stage' means to make a bold, decisive choice. Other highlights include the Otowa Waterfall, where three streams represent success in studies, love and longevity, and visitors drink from them using long-handled cups. Jishu Shrine, for matters of love, is currently under restoration. The Okunoin is the best spot for a panoramic view of the Kiyomizu Stage, and there is also a three-story pagoda. Admission is 400 yen, and special night viewings in spring, summer and autumn cost extra. A suggested route is to go up from Gion-Shijo or Gojozaka, visit the temple, then head down via Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, passing Kyoto's most atmospheric stone slopes, machiya teahouses and souvenir shops such as Shichimiya and Itoh Kyuemon's matcha stores, to Yasaka Pagoda (Hōkan-ji) and Kodai-ji, and finally reaching Yasaka Shrine and Gion. The whole route takes about 3 hours. This is also the area most concentrated with kimono rental shops, which charge about ¥3,000 to ¥5,000, and there are many around the temple. Getting there: take city bus 100 or 206 to the Gojozaka or Kiyomizu-michi stop, then walk 10 minutes, or take the Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Station and walk about 20 minutes. Notes: arrive before 8 a.m. to avoid tour groups. Slopes are tiring in geta, so choose zori sandals if you rent a kimono. Queues for the night illumination in autumn are long.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00 (until 18:30 in summer; until 21:30 during special evening visiting periods)
Nearby sights
- Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
- Kodai-ji
- Chion-in
- Yasaka Shrine
- Gion & Hanamikoji Street
- Sanjusangen-do
- Pontocho
- Nanzen-ji