Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Some reviews are AI-translated.

• Eddie

  1 Sep 2026 See More

  Honestly, walking all the way up through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka made my calves incredibly sore 😂 Those slopes are no joke, and you really start to feel tired on the way up.

  But once I passed through the red Niomon Gate and saw the Kiyomizu Stage, half the exhaustion from the climb immediately disappeared.

  I'd seen Kiyomizu-dera online many times before, so I thought that after seeing so many photos, it probably wouldn't be that impressive in person. But actually standing there was still quite breathtaking. The entirely wooden platform of the Kiyomizu Stage extends straight out, and looking down from it really made the soles of my feet tingle a little.

  When I visited in January, most of the trees on the mountain were bare, which looked completely different from the cherry blossom or fall foliage seasons that people usually see. But because of that, I could actually see the scenery around the Kiyomizu Stage more clearly. There were also fewer people in winter than during peak seasons, so it was quite pleasant to stand on the stage and take in the view at a leisurely pace.

  Later, when I followed the route to Okunoin, I realized this was the classic spot for photographing the Kiyomizu Stage. Looking back, the wooden stage stood against the hillside, surrounded by the bare January trees, creating a very peaceful feeling. I kept taking photos and enjoying the scenery there, and before I knew it, I'd spent almost half an hour.

  After walking down, I happened to get in line at Otowa Waterfall and used one of the long ladles to catch and drink the water. After walking for so long and climbing all those slopes, the water felt really refreshing. At least it made those climbs feel worthwhile 😂

  After leaving Kiyomizu-dera, I walked down toward Sannenzaka, browsing the small shops and buying some food along the way. My feet were really sore by the end, but the whole walk still felt very worthwhile.

  If you're visiting Kiyomizu-dera, I definitely recommend starting earlier. It's much more pleasant when there are fewer people. Otherwise, once it gets crowded, you constantly have to dodge people and say “excuse me,” and your photos can easily end up packed with people.

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• 雨妤魚

  30 Aug 2026 See More

  Kiyomizu-dera—of course, the first thing that comes to mind is Detective Conan. Even though I ship Conan and Ai, I still watched The Scarlet School Trip.

  This time, I climbed up to Kiyomizu-dera by myself because the weather and my family's stamina weren't great, but I was really insistent on seeing it, so they gave me an hour and a half to go up there on my own.

  But it was seriously packed!!

  I walked all the way to a place pretty far away, only to find that it wasn't even open...

  Later, when I made my way back down, I unexpectedly found a path that felt more like a secluded spot, and there was no admission fee!

  (Though it was a bit far.

  But at least I made my pilgrimage to Kiyomizu-dera〜

  I hope that next time I come, I can see Kiyomizu-dera with the fall foliage. That would make the experience feel more complete. I also want to visit Togetsukyo Bridge. I really want to see mountains covered in fall colors, but that time of year always happens to be my busy season at work (crying

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• Gina C

  25 Aug 2026 See More

  Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most iconic historic temples. Walking up the lively Kiyomizu-zaka, you can already feel the strong atmosphere of the ancient capital. On this visit, I stood on the famous Kiyomizu Stage and looked out over the streets of Kyoto. The view was very expansive, and the combination of historic architecture and natural scenery was especially impressive. The temple's wooden buildings are also very distinctive, and walking among them feels like traveling back in time. Visiting the temple, taking photos, and then exploring nearby Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka made the whole outing full of Kyoto charm. It was a memorable stop on this trip.

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• BobbyJenny

  17 Aug 2026 See More

  Upon entering Kiyomizu-dera Temple, what moved me most was the Kiyomizu Stage, which is suspended above the ground using mortise-and-tenon joinery without a single nail. Looking out from the edge of the wooden platform, I saw lush green mountains interwoven with the ancient cityscape of Kyoto. I could deeply feel both the solid weight of the historic architecture and the boundless wisdom of traditional craftsmanship.

  Following the mountain path at a leisurely pace, I arrived at the famous Otowa Waterfall, where three streams of spring water slowly flow down from the cliff, representing health, academic success, and good relationships. Scooping up the spring water with a long-handled ladle, every sip carried a prayer and hope for the future. Amid the clear sound of the flowing spring, my whole spirit seemed to be cleansed and returned to tranquility and peace.

  This visit was not only a visual tour of historic landmarks, but also a deeply calming journey for the soul.

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• Star

  31 Jul 2026 See More

  Kiyomizu-dera Temple's mountain name is Mt. Otowa, and it mainly enshrines the Thousand-Armed Kannon. This was also a setting in Detective Conan: The Scarlet School Trip. Unfortunately, I visited in early October, so I couldn't see the mountains covered in red maple leaves, but I was still very happy to be here.

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