Saturday, April 26, 2014

Kyoto | Kiyomizu-dera: A Temple in Otowa Mountain


April 26, 2013

Exactly a year ago, I visited Kiyomizu-dera or Clear Water Temple in English. It is one of my top 5 places to visit in Kyoto. A beautiful temple at the East side of Kyoto and just walking distance from our hotel, Kyoto Shuhokaku Hotel.
Kiyomizu-dera's main temple
Yes, striking distance but that doesn’t mean less than 10min of walk because the walk from city streets to the temple entrance is already 20min. Hence, from our hotel, it’s approximately a 35min stroll. Travel Tip: Consider wearing sneakers. The walking time might be easy for you! But how about the elevation and slopes! Take note, the temple is located in Otowa Mountain.

But it's a pleasant walk! Most people, including Japanese high school students in their school uniforms, heading to the temple would also walk to the entrance.  There's a wide array of shops too along the way. Travel Tip: Grab the green tea or sakura ice cream. It’s amazing! Buy some refreshments too!


At the entrance area, we were quite tired but it didn’t stop us from exploring the place. After all, it was our first stop in this 2day very short trip to Kyoto. We took some photos at the entrance, proceeded immediately to the main temple following the route. Travel Tip: Make sure to take your best photo in every place. You might miss the chance if you follow the route! Unless, you intentionally go back to that place.

The main ground also has a lot of temple structures you can see. You can also purchase omikuji or paper fortunes. Unfortunately, its usually written in Japanese so you just have to ask some English-speaking Japanese to translate it for you.

The view of the city is also something you shouldn't miss!
Overlooking Kyoto City

In the main temple, there are hundreds of people, each one freely doing anything – praying, looking at the scenery, taking photos, reminiscing, resting, chitchatting whatever! There are even Japanese ladies wearing their kimonos. In our case, we just took some photos, few minutes of rest, then continue the route. Still a very long day for us. Yay! 

We just made a small detour to see the 3-story pagoda to complete our sightseeing.

Oh. Kiyomizu-dera is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, for 20years (since 1994) already and still counting.

After an hour of strolling around this famous temple, off to other small temples in the vicinity.

Ticket Prices: It’s very reasonable
Adult: ¥300
Primary and Junior High School Students: ¥200

Business hours: It varies from year to year. There are also days when they open at night, especially during festivals and special days. You may check out their website for updated schedule here.

How to go to Kiyomizu-dera:
There are several options going to the place because it’s in the heart of the city. Click here to see you best option.

For more information, you can visit their website.

Looking for a Catholic Church in Kyoto?  Visit Kawaramachi Church.

Check out my other blog posts in Kyoto Series:
Kiyomizu-dera

294 Kiyomizu, 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0862, Japan
Contact No: +81 75-551-1234

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