This guide is for travelers seeking the famous hillside temple with city views. It answers: “How to visit Kiyomizu-dera?”
Quick Facts
- Best for: Temple lovers, photographers, sunset views
- Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
- Access: Bus from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-michi (15 min), then walk uphill
- Admission: ¥400
Overview
Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples. Famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering panoramic views over Kyoto.
What to See
Main Hall Stage
The 13-meter wooden stage was built without using any nails. Spectacular views during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Otowa Waterfall
Three streams of water fall into a pond. Drinking from them is said to bring luck in studies, love, or longevity.
Shopping Streets
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are traditional stone-paved lanes leading to the temple. Great for souvenirs.
🎫 Things to do near Kiyomizu-dera
Reserve online ahead of time — popular slots sell out, and you skip the ticket line. Prices are a guide (from, USD); check the current price on Klook.
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Tips
- Early morning: Opens 6am. Before 8am is best to avoid crowds.
- Night illuminations: Special evening openings during spring and autumn.
Getting There
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Recommended (Premium): Take the 🔵 JR Haruka Limited Express from Terminal 1 directly to Kyoto Station in approximately 75–80 minutes. Terminal 2 users must take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first. This is the fastest and most comfortable option. Mid-range: Airport Limousine Buses depart from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, arriving at Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit) in approximately 85–100 minutes depending on traffic.
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
Recommended (Mid-range): Take the Airport Limousine Bus directly to Kyoto Station in approximately 50–55 minutes. This is generally more convenient than navigating multiple train transfers with luggage. Buses depart from the arrival levels of both North and South terminals.
Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera
Take Kyoto City Bus #206 (bound for Kitaoji Bus Terminal via Higashiyama-dori) or #100 (bound for Ginkaku-ji via Kiyomizu-dera and Gion) from the main bus terminal, get off at Gojozaka, and walk east and uphill for about 10 minutes. On designated sightseeing days Kyoto City also runs the EX100 limited-express bus from the D1 stop at Kyoto Station to Gojozaka; it costs more than an ordinary city bus and is covered by the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass, but it skips most stops and is far less crowded than the #206. A taxi covers the same ground in 10–15 minutes.
Kyoto-Kawaramachi to Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto City Bus #207 runs to the Kiyomizu-michi stop, from which it is about a 10-minute climb. Keihan Bus routes #83, #85, #87 and #88 also stop at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka. Walking the whole way south through Gion and the Higashiyama lanes takes roughly 30–40 minutes and is one of the better walks in the city.
Gion-Shijo to Kiyomizu-dera
From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station the same #207 city bus runs to Kiyomizu-michi. On foot it is around 25–30 minutes south through Hanamikoji, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Osaka to Kiyomizu-dera
From Osaka Station (Umeda) take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station, about 29 minutes, then pick up the #206 or #100 bus as above. From Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi the 🟢 Keihan Main Line runs to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station in around 50 minutes — but Kiyomizu-Gojo is a good 25-minute walk from the temple, so the Kyoto Station route is usually quicker door to door.
More point-to-point routes across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are collected in our station-to-station guide.
Local Access
Kiyomizu-dera is located on a steep hill in the Higashiyama district. The nearest train station is Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the 🟢 Keihan Line, but it requires an uphill walk of approximately 20–25 minutes. Most visitors prefer taking a bus to the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi stops, followed by an uphill walk of approximately 10–15 minutes through the shopping streets. IC cards like ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO are accepted on all trains and Kyoto City Buses.
Sources
- Official site: Kiyomizu-dera
Last updated: 2026-02-03