Kiyomizu-dera Temple

UNESCO World Heritage

清水寺

Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple founded in 778 at a pure spring on Mt. Otowa. Its Main Hall, a National Treasure, stands on a steep cliff. In front of it is the wide wooden Kiyomizu stage, nearly 13 meters high and held up by wooden joints without a single nail, with a view over the whole city of Kyoto. The spring that started the temple still flows today as the Otowa Waterfall. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its scenery changes through the year, from cherry blossoms in spring to colored leaves in autumn and snow in winter.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: Opens at 6:00. Usually closes at 18:00 (18:30 in July–August). On night-viewing days in spring, mid-August and late November it stays open until 21:30 (last entry 21:00).
Closed: Open every day.
Admission: Adults 500 yen; elementary and junior high school students 200 yen (from April 2024).
Getting there: From JR Kyoto Station: City Bus 206 or 100 to Gojozaka, then about 10 minutes on foot. From Gion-Shijo or Kyoto-Kawaramachi: City Bus 207 to Kiyomizu-michi, then about 10 minutes on foot. The approach is uphill.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

No eating on the grounds or while walking. Drinks in bottles with a cap are fine.
No tripods, monopods or drones.
Wheelchair users can visit using a step-free route near the Main Hall. The temple does not lend wheelchairs.
There are several accessible restrooms on the grounds.
Very crowded. Kyoto City recommends visiting early in the morning; the temple opens at 6:00.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The temple opens at 6:00 a.m.; Kyoto City suggests visiting when there are few people, as the approach area is very crowded.
Eating and drinking while walking around the grounds is not allowed; eat only at the cafes and tea houses.
Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, listed by Kyoto City as near Kiyomizu Temple, Gion and Higashiyama, offers a small prayer room (1–5 people) with a prayer mat and qibla direction; advance booking is preferred.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.