Question 1

How do I get there from JR Kyoto Station?

Accepted Answer

Take city bus route 206 (bound for Higashiyama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal) or route 100 from JR Kyoto Station, get off at the Gojozaka stop and walk about 10 minutes.

Question 2

Which is the nearest bus stop?

Accepted Answer

The Gojozaka and Kiyomizu-michi city bus stops are the nearest; from either it is about 10 minutes' walk to Kiyomizudera.

Question 3

Is there an evening illumination?

Accepted Answer

Special evening openings with illumination are held at certain times in spring, autumn and winter, with the gates open until 21:30. Dates and charges vary, so please check the official website.

Question 4

Do I need to book in advance?

Accepted Answer

No booking is needed for an ordinary visit. Simply pay the admission fee on the day and go in.

Question 5

What is the tainai-meguri?

Accepted Answer

It is a walk in complete darkness along a corridor, feeling your way, near the main hall; the tainai-meguri at the Zuigudo hall is the well-known one. It is usually available 9:00-16:00.

Question 6

Are there other sights to visit nearby?

Accepted Answer

Around Kiyomizudera are the cobbled slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka and many famous sites such as Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji. We recommend seeing them together.

Question 7

What are the visiting hours and the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Normal visiting hours are 6:00-18:00, open all year round, though they vary by season. During special evening openings the gates stay open until 21:30. Admission is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students (revised from April 2024).

Question 8

Is it a World Heritage site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Question 9

What is the Otowa waterfall?

Accepted Answer

It is the spring of sacred water that gave Kiyomizudera its name. The water falls in three streams, and visitors traditionally scoop it with a ladle and make a wish. Also known as the golden water and the water of long life, it draws large numbers of visitors every day.

Question 10

What is the view from the Kiyomizu stage?

Accepted Answer

The stage projecting from the main hall stands about 13 m high on a scaffold of timber, with a sweeping view over Kyoto and the surrounding hills through the seasons. The cherry blossom in spring and the autumn colours are especially beautiful.

Question 11

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow about an hour for the main sights such as the main hall (the Kiyomizu stage) and the Otowa waterfall. If you also walk Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka nearby, allow 3 hours to half a day.

Question 12

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is no dedicated car park at Kiyomizudera. There are paid municipal and private car parks nearby, but they are very busy in the tourist season. We recommend public transport.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is not available.

Question 14

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen (rates revised in April 2024).

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round.

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

6:00-18:00 (varies by season; until 21:30 during special evening openings).

Question 17

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes' walk from the Gojozaka or Kiyomizu-michi city bus stops. About 15 minutes by bus from JR Kyoto Station.

Question 18

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

How can we help you?

Quick categories