Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera (清水寺 / Kiyomizu-dera) is one of Kyoto’s most impressive and atmospheric sights, combining wide city views, traditional streets, nature and colour in a way that families connect with very quickly. The walk up to the temple takes you through beautifully preserved lanes filled with snacks, shops, small cafés and countless photo spots.

Once you enter the complex, the famous wooden stage opens onto one of Kyoto’s most recognisable panoramas, especially striking during spring blossoms and autumn foliage. For families who enjoy scenic viewpoints, vibrant streets and relaxed walking routes with surprises for children along the way, Kiyomizudera is one of the strongest choices in Kyoto.

How do you get to Kiyomizudera, and what should you expect on the way?

Reaching Kiyomizudera is simple and works well for families. Most visitors arrive through the Higashiyama area, choosing one of the traditional walking paths. Streets such as Sannenzaka (三年坂 / Sannenzaka) and Ninenzaka (二年坂 / Ninenzaka) are widely regarded as the most atmospheric route. They are lined with traditional houses, sweets, ceramics and plenty of places where children can take short breaks.

Those using public transport can take a city bus from Kyoto Station and get off at Gojo-zaka. From there, it’s an uphill walk. Kyoto’s buses reach most major attractions and are easy to navigate, costing around ¥210 per adult.

For travellers with a rental car, access is limited. Streets near the temple are narrow and often busy with foot traffic. Parking is difficult, but a rental car remains more convenient when combining several locations in Kyoto in one day.

What does Kiyomizudera cost, and what are the opening hours?

Kiyomizudera opens very early, usually between 6:00–7:00 AM. Arriving at this time provides quiet views, cooler weather, and a far more comfortable start for families.

Entrance details:

• Outer grounds: free
• Main Hall & Stage: ¥400–¥500 per adult, around ¥200 for children
• Payment: cash only – card payments are not accepted

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I always aim to arrive before 8:00 AM. The air is cooler, the paths are almost empty, and the Stage offers completely different photo quality compared to late morning.

What should families see inside Kiyomizudera?

What is special about the Main Hall (Hondo) and the famous Stage?

The Main Hall (Hondo) and its iconic wooden Stage are the heart of Kiyomizudera. Built entirely without nails, the structure rises about 13 meters above the hillside, revealing one of Kyoto’s most recognizable views. The panorama is especially striking during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.

Three-storied Pagoda

Standing at the entrance area, the bright Three-storied Pagoda is one of the tallest of its kind in Japan. Its vivid red-orange color makes it a perfect family photo spot, and you can see it from the approach long before reaching the temple.

Okuno-in (Okuno-in)

This viewing area offers the best photo angle in the entire complex. From Okuno-in, you can capture the Stage from the side – exactly the classic shot seen on postcards and travel magazines.

Jishu Shrine – the Shrine of Love

Located directly behind the Main Hall, Jishu Shrine is dedicated to love and relationships. The famous “love stones”, set 18 meters apart, invite visitors to walk from one to the other with eyes closed – a playful challenge teens often enjoy.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: When visiting with kids, I always let them try first. It creates a fun and lively break during the visit.

Otowa Waterfall (Otowa-no-taki)

Below the Stage lies the Otowa Waterfall, the source of the temple’s name, meaning “pure water.” The three streams symbolize:

• Health
• Academic success
• Love

Visitors traditionally choose only one stream, as drinking from all three is considered greedy.

Zuigu-do Hall

Beneath the temple complex is Zuigu-do, a symbolic pitch-dark passage offering a complete contrast to the open-air views above. It’s suitable for older children and adds a unique, memorable twist to the visit.

Sunset at Kiyomizudera was the highlight of our day. The light over the forest was unforgettable.

What attractions near Kiyomizudera work well for families?

Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka (Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka)

These beautifully preserved historic streets form one of the most enjoyable walking areas in Kyoto. Both streets are lined with matcha ice cream stands, pottery shops, traditional crafts, and scenic corners, making them perfect for relaxed family exploration. Families often spend several hours here simply wandering, tasting snacks, and taking photos.

Hokan-ji – Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji)

Just a short walk from Ninenzaka, Hokan-ji, also known as Yasaka Pagoda, is one of Kyoto’s most photographed landmarks. Its elegant five-tiered silhouette appears in many city viewpoints and fits naturally into a day that starts at Kiyomizudera. It’s an easy, family-friendly stop with great photo opportunities.

Kodaiji Temple (Kodaiji)

Famous for its bamboo walkway, peaceful gardens, and serene atmosphere, Kodaiji is often combined with Kiyomizudera. The route between them is smooth and comfortable, offering a balanced mix of nature and culture without overwhelming younger visitors.

Gion District (Gion)

Located within comfortable walking distance, Gion offers narrow lanes, traditional wooden houses, and soft early-evening light. Many families naturally drift toward Gion after descending from Kiyomizudera. It’s a great place to end the day with relaxed strolling, light snacks, or a warm drink in a small café.

Is Kiyomizudera suitable for families, older visitors, and those with mobility limits?

Kiyomizudera is considered highly family-friendly, though the uphill walk requires some planning. The slope leading to the temple is moderately steep, but the surrounding streets are filled with snack stands, small cafés, and shops that make stopping easy and enjoyable for children. Teens especially appreciate the more interactive spots, such as the love stones at Jishu Shrine and the three streams at Otowa Waterfall.

For older visitors, the climb may be more challenging. Sannenzaka offers a slightly gentler incline compared to the alternative approaches, making it the better choice for anyone who prefers a smoother route. Accessibility within the temple area is mixed: some paths are narrow and include steps, which can limit movement for visitors with mobility difficulties.

What facilities are available at Kiyomizudera?

Kiyomizudera offers several practical facilities that make the visit smoother for families. Restrooms are available inside the main complex, which is particularly helpful when visiting with children. Along the approach streets leading to the temple, you’ll find numerous small food stands, offering quick snacks, matcha-flavoured sweets, and simple warm dishes. These spots provide easy breaks during the ascent or descent.

Shops are plentiful in the surrounding area, especially along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. You’ll find high-quality Japanese ceramics, traditional crafts, and souvenir items, with prices ranging from affordable keepsakes to premium pieces.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: If you’re planning to eat lunch nearby, budget ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person for simple noodle restaurants just below the temple. These places offer quick service, making them ideal between activities.

Where does the day naturally end?

Many visitors choose to continue their day toward Gion (祇園 / Gion) after leaving Kiyomizudera. The transition is smooth: once you descend through the historic streets, the walk to Gion passes through narrow alleyways, soft evening light, and traditional wooden buildings. This creates a relaxed atmosphere that works well for families after a full day of walking.

Others prefer to spend more time in Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, browsing handmade souvenirs or enjoying a quiet matcha break. These streets naturally slow down in the late afternoon, making them ideal for a calm, unhurried end to the day.

The progression from the open panoramic views of the temple to the intimate historic streets below feels seamless. The combination of nature, architecture, and Kyoto’s street life creates a sense of completion without the need for additional travel.

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Kiyomizudera – 1-Day Family Route

Morning (10:00-13:00)

Start your day at Kyoto Station and take the city bus to Gojo-zaka. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥210 per adult. From the stop, follow the paved uphill path toward Nio-mon Gate and the Three-storied Pagoda.

Enter the paid area (¥500 for adults / ¥200 for children, cash only) and spend 60-90 minutes exploring the Main Hall (Hondo) and the iconic Stage. Continue to Okuno-in for the classic side-view photograph of the temple.

Lunch (13:00-15:00)

Walk down to Otowa Waterfall and choose one of the three symbolic streams (health, academic success, or love). Continue to Jishu Shrine for the playful “love stones” challenge – especially fun for teenagers.

Have lunch at a nearby noodle shop. Expect to pay ¥1,000-¥1,500 per person for udon or soba.

Afternoon (15:00-18:00)

Descend through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two of Kyoto’s most charming streets-full of pottery shops, matcha ice cream, and great photo spots. Then walk 15-20 minutes to the Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji).

Finish your day with a relaxed stroll through Gion, where the streets become especially atmospheric toward early evening.

The colors of the pagoda were unbelievable. My kids couldn’t stop taking photos.

Traveler Reviews of Kiyomizudera

Emily Carter – April 2023
I visited Kiyomizudera with my two kids, and the walk up through the old streets was wonderful. The Stage view made the climb completely worth it, even as the area became busy later in the morning.

Daniel Morris – October 2019
We reached the temple by bus, and it was much easier than expected. My kids loved stopping at every snack shop along Sannenzaka. The side-view shot from Okuno-in was the highlight of my visit.

Sophia Bennett – March 2024
Our teenagers loved the “love stones” at Jishu Shrine – they couldn’t stop laughing. The uphill path was a little challenging for my parents, but with short breaks it was absolutely manageable.

Lucas Anderson – July 2025
It was hot and crowded, but the bright pagoda and colorful streets made the day exciting. My kids turned the walk into a photo treasure hunt, which kept everyone motivated despite the heat.

Olivia Ramirez – June 2018
Standing on the Stage felt unforgettable. At Otowa Waterfall, the kids picked different streams, and even with the line, everything moved quickly. We ended with delicious udon just below the temple.

Michael Hughes – December 2021
A cold morning, but magical. The red pagoda looked like a perfect painting. I’d recommend grabbing a small snack on the way up – it kept our kids happy and energetic during the climb.

Hannah Collins – May 2022
We had only a short amount of time, but Kiyomizudera instantly became our favorite spot in Kyoto. It’s larger than we expected, though not ideal for strollers because of the stairs.

James Walker – September 2023
The view from the Stage was absolutely stunning. The slope felt steep at times, but the snack stops and small shops along Ninenzaka made the walk enjoyable for the whole family.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• I always arrive around 7:00-8:00 AM. This is the only time when the Stage is still quiet, and the photos look completely different before the crowds begin to form.
• With kids, I stop often along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. A short snack break every few minutes turns the uphill walk into something fun instead of something tiring.
• My best Kiyomizudera photo was taken from Okuno-in. If you want the classic postcard angle, go straight there before exploring the other halls.
• At Otowa Waterfall, I choose only one of the three streams. It shortens waiting time and keeps the experience simple and enjoyable for children who prefer quick activities.
• I always carry cash. The Main Hall entrance (¥400-¥500) is cash-only, and there are no convenient ATMs in the immediate approach streets.
• On hot days, I descend through the historic streets. There’s shade, matcha ice cream, and plenty of places to rest before continuing toward Gion.
• If someone in the family struggles with slopes, I choose the Sannenzaka route. It’s noticeably gentler and more comfortable, especially during warm weather.
• I like pairing Kiyomizudera with Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji) and Gion. Everything is within walking distance, creating a natural, well-paced day without extra transport.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I visited Kiyomizudera (Kiyomizu-dera) in March 2023, and it became one of the most memorable places of my time in Kyoto. Walking up through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka felt like stepping into a different world-colorful shops, matcha treats, and plenty of small pauses that kept my kids happy along the way. The view from the Stage was unforgettable, especially in the early morning when the light is soft and the atmosphere is quiet.

Exploring Jishu Shrine and trying the “love stones” brought a playful moment to the day, and choosing one stream at Otowa Waterfall turned into a fun family ritual. The only real challenge was the steep slope and the increasing crowd later in the morning, but with good timing and breaks, the experience remained smooth and enjoyable.

Kiyomizudera is vibrant, scenic, and ideal for families, and I would be happy to help you craft a personalized itinerary for this area and for the rest of Japan.

Standing here felt like being inside a painting. Kiyomizudera is even more magical in real life.

Price Table

Frequently Asked Questions about Kiyomizudera

What is the best time of day to visit Kiyomizudera?
Early morning. The gates open around 6:00-7:00 AM, which means cooler weather, clearer views, and far fewer crowds.

How much does the visit cost?
The outer grounds are free. The Main Hall and Stage require a ¥400-¥500 adult ticket and about ¥200 for children. Payment is cash only.

Is the walk difficult for families with kids?
The slope is a bit steep, but manageable. The streets are filled with snacks, small shops, and places to pause, which helps children stay motivated.

How long should we plan for the visit? (First-hand)
When I visited, the full experience took around 2.5 hours, including Okuno-in, the Stage, Jishu Shrine, and Otowa Waterfall.

Is Kiyomizudera stroller-friendly?
Not fully. The area includes narrow paths, stairs, and slopes. A baby carrier is more practical than a stroller.

Are there activities that teenagers enjoy?
Yes. The “love stones” at Jishu Shrine and choosing a stream at Otowa Waterfall are simple, fun, and engaging for teens.

Is public transport convenient for reaching the temple?
Yes. A city bus from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka costs around ¥210 and drops you a short uphill walk from the temple.

Does the place get crowded? (First-hand)
Definitely. When I arrived after 10:00 AM, the Stage filled up quickly. Arriving before 9:00 AM makes a huge difference in comfort and photography.

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