Kiyomizu-dera on Postcard

"Kiyomizu-dera on Mount Otowa is one of the most famous temples in Japan , a place that appears in every sequence of Japanese travel photos. The landscape is all cherry trees and forest; it is among Kyoto 's loveliest spots. The current structure dates to 1633 and is one of 33 temples on a pilgrimage circuit in the Kansai region dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The circuit runs from the south ofWakayama north to the Sea of Japan . You’ll see pilgrims carrying nokyo-cho —books stamped to record the visit—and monks busily inscribing in calligraphy. The temple, set against a steep hill and constructed on huge pilings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site."

The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

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@cntraveler

"Wherever you check in, be sure to visit the recently renovated UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera Temple and to pick up modern spins on traditional omiyage (souvenirs) at Beams Japan Kyoto, before finishing the day with sake and skewers at the new Kyoto Yakitori Kazu, where the vegetable tempura is some of the best around."

14 Reasons We Can't Wait to Travel in 2021

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Waleed

Google

The vibes here were immaculate! It is a little bit of a hike to get to the top of this area, but it's definitely worth it in the end. You can see Kyoto in the distance and you walk by quite a few shops to the top! Around sunset time is when they started telling people to leave as the temple closes at that time. I would definitely recommend heading over here an hour or two before sunset because the views were amazing! There was a large crowd of people here and for good reason as this place is definitely worth checking out!

Viroop Narla

Google

This has to be one of the most beautiful temples and scenic locations I've ever visited. The architecture, forest and views from the top are stunning. My recommendation would be to go first thing in the morning. The temple opens at 6am and there were like 10 people already. I've read it gets very crowded throughout the day. It was super quiet and peaceful. I would also recommend walking to the temple first up the main road, directly opposite the bus stop. You can visit the other shrine (seen in many photos) and the other shops on the way down. Also the Goshoin won't be open till 8am, incase you're collecting them.

Nancy

Google

This place was very crowded, but for a good reason! It is awesome! There is a nice steady incline/walk up the hill with many little shops and restaurants all along the way, and then you arrive at this beautiful historic destination. The crowd was full of people wearing traditional kimonos. It made for beautiful photos. A great experience.

Nat Ral

Google

Beautiful temple surrounded by lush green Forrest, staged high with incredible views of Kyoto. Whilst it is iconic, it is very busy with visitors and tourists looking for the perfect picture, so patience is needed. The street leading up to the main temple contain a great selection of food stalls and vendors selling hand crafted wares. If you are seeking an opportunity to wear a kimono gown, many rentals companies along the way. Wonderful experience and a delight to stroll down the garden.

Scott Lee

Google

We came here at night just before everything closed so we rushed to see as much as we can. So I can’t leave a fair review but my first quick first impression was good. It was a chill evening and everything was lit up very nicely. The temples were beautiful and the walkways were maintained well despite all the tourists. The view from the top was also stunning. If you don’t go right before closing, it might be worthwhile to visit later in the day.

Hashim Fakhreddin

Google

Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa. Gorgeous views out to the city of Kyoto. Many picturesque spots throughout, try come as early as you can as by 10am its packed with tourists. A must visit in Kyoto.

Greg T

Google

This World Heritage site of ancient buildings dates back to 778. There is an interesting full history on the temple’s official website that’s worth reading The temples start to dominate the landscape only as you near the top of the climb, so it’s only then yo start to appreciate the size of the structures. The robust structures are very impressive and the gardens are expansive. There are some lovely observation points where varying views are quite splendid. Well worth the climb, even in the 36c heat today.

MSJ

Google

Probably spent the most time here, due to overcrowding and also just the view you get from high up. Fortunately I was able to spend the night and visited during night time and in the afternoon. It closes at night but you can see the streets without any crowds, during operating hours, it was super packed but worth the ticket to enter. The view was amazing despite the large crowd and the pagoda across also provided great experience for me. It is a little slippery along the way so would be cautious visiting this place in the rain/wet seasons. But definitely worth purchasing the ticket and visiting!

Waleed

Google

The vibes here were immaculate! It is a little bit of a hike to get to the top of this area, but it's definitely worth it in the end. You can see Kyoto in the distance and you walk by quite a few shops to the top! Around sunset time is when they started telling people to leave as the temple closes at that time. I would definitely recommend heading over here an hour or two before sunset because the views were amazing! There was a large crowd of people here and for good reason as this place is definitely worth checking out!

Viroop Narla

Google

This has to be one of the most beautiful temples and scenic locations I've ever visited. The architecture, forest and views from the top are stunning. My recommendation would be to go first thing in the morning. The temple opens at 6am and there were like 10 people already. I've read it gets very crowded throughout the day. It was super quiet and peaceful. I would also recommend walking to the temple first up the main road, directly opposite the bus stop. You can visit the other shrine (seen in many photos) and the other shops on the way down. Also the Goshoin won't be open till 8am, incase you're collecting them.

Nancy

Google

This place was very crowded, but for a good reason! It is awesome! There is a nice steady incline/walk up the hill with many little shops and restaurants all along the way, and then you arrive at this beautiful historic destination. The crowd was full of people wearing traditional kimonos. It made for beautiful photos. A great experience.

Nat Ral

Google

Beautiful temple surrounded by lush green Forrest, staged high with incredible views of Kyoto. Whilst it is iconic, it is very busy with visitors and tourists looking for the perfect picture, so patience is needed. The street leading up to the main temple contain a great selection of food stalls and vendors selling hand crafted wares. If you are seeking an opportunity to wear a kimono gown, many rentals companies along the way. Wonderful experience and a delight to stroll down the garden.

Scott Lee

Google

We came here at night just before everything closed so we rushed to see as much as we can. So I can’t leave a fair review but my first quick first impression was good. It was a chill evening and everything was lit up very nicely. The temples were beautiful and the walkways were maintained well despite all the tourists. The view from the top was also stunning. If you don’t go right before closing, it might be worthwhile to visit later in the day.

Hashim Fakhreddin

Google

Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa. Gorgeous views out to the city of Kyoto. Many picturesque spots throughout, try come as early as you can as by 10am its packed with tourists. A must visit in Kyoto.

Greg T

Google

This World Heritage site of ancient buildings dates back to 778. There is an interesting full history on the temple’s official website that’s worth reading The temples start to dominate the landscape only as you near the top of the climb, so it’s only then yo start to appreciate the size of the structures. The robust structures are very impressive and the gardens are expansive. There are some lovely observation points where varying views are quite splendid. Well worth the climb, even in the 36c heat today.

MSJ

Google

Probably spent the most time here, due to overcrowding and also just the view you get from high up. Fortunately I was able to spend the night and visited during night time and in the afternoon. It closes at night but you can see the streets without any crowds, during operating hours, it was super packed but worth the ticket to enter. The view was amazing despite the large crowd and the pagoda across also provided great experience for me. It is a little slippery along the way so would be cautious visiting this place in the rain/wet seasons. But definitely worth purchasing the ticket and visiting!

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera

Photos

Highlights

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