Kiyomizu-dera Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temples, standing on the wooded slopes of Mount Otowa. Its elevated position offers impressive views across Kyoto and the surrounding hills.

Founded in 778, the temple honours Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion. Over the centuries, fires destroyed many of its buildings. Most surviving structures date to 1633, during the Edo period. UNESCO recognised Kiyomizu-dera as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto in 1994.

We caught the No 226 bus from Kyoto Station, getting off at Gojozaka bus stop. We walked through Matsubara Dori to the Niōmon Gate. The approach to the temple also forms part of the experience. Traditional streets, including Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, have historic buildings, souvenir shops and cafés. Directly behind the gate is the three-storey pagoda which is around 31 metres tall.

How to Get There from Kyoto Station

From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus 206 towards the Higashiyama district.

Get off at Gojozaka bus stop, approximately 15–25 minutes away, depending on traffic.

From there, walk uphill for approximately 10–15 minutes to reach the temple entrance.

The uphill approach passes traditional shops and offers an interesting introduction to historic Kyoto.

This was the start of our walk through the traditional streets of Kyoto which ended at Yasaka Shrine.

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