Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺
Kiyomizu-dera is a renowned temple in Kyoto, established in 780 at the Otowa Waterfall. The temple is famous for its main hall, which features a wooden stage extending 13 meters above the hillside, offering views of the city and surrounding trees. The grounds also include Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love, and the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three streams, each believed to offer a different benefit.
Source: japan-guide.com ↗, read 2026-09-10
How people walk it
- Nio-monThis is the main entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- Sai-mon (West gate)Long considered a gateway to Paradise, and known for spectacular sunset views.
- Zuigu-do HallThe tour of the sanctified area underneath the hall, Tainai meguri, is offered here.
- Hondo (Main hall)Stands on the steep cliff of Mt. Otowa; built solidly enough to support the stage.
- Okuno-in HallOkuno-in Hall stands directly above Otowa Waterfall, with a stage like the Main Hall.
- Otowa no takiVisitors catch each of the three streams of pure water with ladles.
Getting there — From JR Kyoto Station, City Bus No.206 or No.100: get off at Gojozaka stop and walk east 10 minutes.
- There are only two routes to the temple ground: one from the Nio-mon Gate on top of the Kiyomizu-zaka hill, the other from the emergency road entrance on top of the Chawan-zaka hill.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple does not have a parking lot on its grounds.
Read off kiyomizudera.or.jp (2026-09-16)
