Traveler Description
This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.

Address: Mt. Otowa
Phone: 075 551 1234


Traveler Reviews

Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") is the best site to see in Kyoto
Reviewed by veetravel_14 on Jul 8, 2010


Yes, this temple is as amazing as people say. It was my favorite spot (hands down) in Kyoto. Its worth a trip up there (mountain) because its easy to take many buses (100 or 206) from the Kyoto station and within the temple there is so much to see due to the different shrines within one area. Once you get off the bus you can easily follow people up the hill through the many shops leading to the temple. I found a lot of things here like - sake cup sets, tea cups, small plates, chopsticks, green tea icream and many more. Some things are unique to this place and I recommend buying things around the area because the prices for the product was unbeatable and I never found some of the things sold here any whereelse in Kyoto or other places in Japan. It takes about 15 mins up the hill to get to the temple but you forget your walking up the hill due to all the great shops. I like the simpler things in life and my favorite thing to do there was to buy a cup (200Yen) and drink from the three streams originating from Otowa waterfall. The best water I have ever had in my life and the best 200 yen I spent in my 2 week stay in Japan. You get to keep the cup! Do not drink from all 3 streams as it is believed to show sign of greediness. It is believed to bring wisdom and luck if you try the water. You do wait in line and it is more than worth it. My next favorite thing there was seeing the womb of buddha. And noticed that most people did not go to see it and might not even know about it. You donate 100 yen and have to remove your shoes and put it in a bag that they give you. They do have english directions which I did not read because I was so exited and had no idea what I was getting myself into. You hold on for your dear life to the beaded pathway in the dark leading to the womb where you make a wish. The womb is lit up so that is the only thing you will see. It was great and I was in the front so I was leading everyone behind me. Very peaceful eventhough you hear little girls screaming. They also have love stones in the love shrine area (Jishu Shrine). Tons of teenagers were there helping each other out from one stone to another. You should try it. It seems like a lot of fun. If you can get from one stone to another with your eyes closed it is said you will find your true love soon. If you do it with help then you will find your love with someones assistance in real life. Do not skip Jishu shrine. Not to forget but the architecture is breath taking and there was a great sense of energy in that place. The whole view of Kyoto is a added bonus. Bought charms for good luck and good welfare. Each around 300 yen to 450 yen. They have charms for everything you can think of. Also tried Omikuji (paper fortune) and it is in Japanese but wanted to try it. I ended up getting a symbol which represents bad luck and was told immediately to leave it in a certain area in the temple so I dont take the "bad luck" with me back home. That was a little dissapointing. Overall please do not miss this in Kyoto and wear great shoes, take money ready with you and keep a budget there because it is easy to shop quickly and spend it all away and go before it gets too hot during the middle of the day. Have fun!

Top priority in Kyoto
Reviewed by JCO725 on Apr 5, 2010


The Kiyomizudera Temple is simply the best. You should try the 100Yen entrance to the underground buddha coffin. it is pitch black inside then all you need to do is follow he beads and as soon as you see the head of the buddha, you can make a wish then turn the head. I love washing my hands on the spring water and drinking them too. I love the cherry blossoms and the bang of the giant rope. There is a set of lover's stone that if you successfully walk from one stone to another with your eyes close, then you will find your love. There are also english fortune telling. The temple closes at 6pm during the sakura period. Definitely a walk uphill that is worth it. Take bus 207 from exit 2 of Karasuma Station, cross the street as soon as you get out of the station..

Too Amazing for words!
Reviewed by Alexandra-chan on Jan 31, 2010


Kiyomizu Temple is simply amazing! The architecture and scenery are beautiful! Drinking at the Otowa-no-taki was a spiritual experience for.

Put this on your top 5 list!
Reviewed by BadgerCT on Jan 25, 2010


Yes there will be crowds, but for a reason! The place is big enough to handle them all anyway. We were there at the hight of Cherry Blossom season and didn't find it difficult to get unobstructed photos of the spectacular view. The touristy alleyways leading up to the temple make for interesting trinket shopping and the temple itself is well worth an an hour or two. There are lots of stairs and not many places to sit and rest, but it really is worth the effort.

Best temple in Kyoto
Reviewed by The_Happy_Piano on Jan 2, 2010


I visited here during cherry blossom season, and it was a great experience, the temple itself is very traditional, unique, and beautiful.