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

http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/intro/trad/isan/kiyomi_e.html

Traveler Reviews

One of the top 5 places to visit when in Kyoto
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on May 7, 2008


One of the most famous sights in Japan, let alone Kyoto and was a candidate for being one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The temple dates back to the year 798 and the present buildings were constructed in 1633. The temple takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills - kiyoi mizu (???) literally means pure water. The main hall of the temple has a vast veranda, supported by hundreds of pillars. This juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the surrounding gardens and Kyoto itself. If you are lucky, a sunny day makes for wonderful viewing, especially if it is not too crowded (it usually is). Beneath the main hall is the waterfall Otowa-no-taki, where three channels of water drop into a pond. You collect the water, which is believed to have therapeutic properties, from the waterfall in small metal cups. Drinking the water of the three streams confers health, longevity, and success in studies. To reach the temple, you walk up some narrow streets which house street vendors and the like - you can buy sourvenirs, special gifts and food form the surrounding region. It has been like that for centuries Admission is Y300 and the temple is open from about 6 in the morning to 6.00pm in the evening. (Website [ Japanese only]: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/)

Interesting Streets. Didn't bother going inside the temple
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Apr 9, 2008


I give the streets a 5. There are so many things to see in the main street leading to this temple. There are Japanese snack shops selling kuehs and sweets. There are also fans, pouches, even kimonos. 1 particular shop gives free green tea and allows you to try all the snacks. I didn't cos I wasn't buying but this place is usually full of touists. As for the temple itself, we weren't really keen, not being interested in that sort of things. But there is a bowl of water outside that they say brings good tidings if you drink from it. The grounds also have cherry blossoms and you can do some photo taking here.

Tourist Trap
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Mar 29, 2008


This ia beautiful temple that has been completely overtaken by the crowds and souvenier shops. It is worth seeing, but I would recommned doing it first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.

Pat's thoughts
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Mar 19, 2008


The taking of the waters is a sight to see. The walk to the temple is another event one should not miss

Yet another Kyoto Must see
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Sep 24, 2005


My Japanses friends had asked me not to miss this and correctly so - I just loved walking up to temple and the place is beautiful.