Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 4 posts since 2009

Open in Maps

Visiting Kiyomizu-dera today

  • What it is: Hillside temple founded in 778, famous for its huge wooden stage jutting out over the trees with views across Kyoto.
  • Getting there: City Bus 206 or 100 from Kyoto Station to Gojozaka (¥230), then about 10 minutes uphill. Weekend/holiday EX100/EX101 express buses cost ¥500.
  • Hours: Daily 6:00–18:00 (to 18:30 in July–August). Autumn night viewing 21–30 Nov 2026, last entry 21:00.
  • Admission: ¥500 adults, ¥200 elementary/junior high (paid area around the Main Hall)
  • Tip: Gates open at 6:00 — arrive early to beat the crowds on the Kiyomizu-zaka slope. Don't block the street lingering for photos.
Best time
  1. J
  2. F
  3. M
  4. A
  5. M
  6. J
  7. J
  8. A
  9. S
  10. O
  11. N
  12. D
Cherry blossom in early April and autumn leaves in late November, with evening illuminations both seasons.

Checked against: Access & 2026 visiting hours – Kiyomizu-dera (official) · Night special viewing – Kiyomizu-dera (official) · Comfortable access to Higashiyama (Kiyomizu-dera Temple) · 清水寺 – るるぶ&more (admission fee) · Getting Around Kyoto by Bus (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Kiyomizu-dera on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Travel

Kiyomizudera in June

A morning at Kiyomizudera in June. It was the rainy season, with big clouds over the hills and everything a deep green. It was…

Photos

Kyoto

A warm sunny day in Kyoto made a great backdrop to these photos which include some Temples, Kimono, Yukata, and the general peaceful nature of Kyoto. A great place to visit.

Travel

Yukata, Kimono in Kyoto

The photos I took in Kyoto are going to take quite a bit of sorting out. Whilst I am still on the laptop and with the memory cards filling up quickly…