Kiyomizu-dera
清水寺
The iconic temple perches on a hillside, its famous wooden terrace extending 13 meters over the valley below. The stage was constructed using 139 pillars without a single nail. The temple's name means 'Pure Water Temple,' referring to the Otowa waterfall.
Advertisement
✨ Historical Significance
Why Kiyomizu-dera Matters
Ranked #49 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most celebrated temples in Japan, known for the courage-testing phrase 'to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu.'
Built
778
Location
Japan
Annual Visitors
5 million
UNESCO
✓ ID: 688
Advertisement
📅 Plan Your Visit to Kiyomizu-dera
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Recommended months: March to May, October to November
Temperature
Average: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–3 hours
Entry Fee
$10–$30 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
Getting There
Located in Kyoto, Japan. Reach Kyoto by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kyoto center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
Advertisement
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Kiyomizu-dera
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Japanese. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — follow all preservation rules and stay on designated paths.
Best time to visit: March to May, October to November. Visa-free for many nationalities (90 days).
Advertisement
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Kiyomizu-dera
Everything you need to know before visiting Kiyomizu-dera.
1Where is Kiyomizu-dera located?
▼
Kiyomizu-dera is located in Kyoto, Japan. It is ranked #49 in our Top 100 World Pagodas list.
2When was Kiyomizu-dera built?
▼
Kiyomizu-dera was built in 778. UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most celebrated temples in Japan, known for the courage-testing phrase 'to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu.'
3What is the best time to visit Kiyomizu-dera?
▼
The best time to visit Kiyomizu-dera in Japan is during March to May, October to November. This is the Spring & Autumn when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 10–25°C (50–77°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Kiyomizu-dera?
▼
Entry fees for Kiyomizu-dera are approximately $10–$30 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Kiyomizu-dera?
▼
Plan to spend 1–3 hours at Kiyomizu-dera. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6Is Kiyomizu-dera a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
▼
Yes, Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID: 688). It has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and is protected under international heritage conservation agreements.
7What should I wear when visiting Kiyomizu-dera?
▼
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
8How many people visit Kiyomizu-dera each year?
▼
Kiyomizu-dera receives approximately 5 million visitors per year, making it one of the popular pagodas in Japan.
9How do I get to Kiyomizu-dera?
▼
Located in Kyoto, Japan. Reach Kyoto by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kyoto center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
10Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
▼
Visa-free for many nationalities (90 days). The local currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Japan is in the UTC+9 timezone.
Advertisement
🗺️ Explore More Sites
← Previous in ranking
#48 Seokguram Grotto
Gyeongju, South Korea
Next in ranking →
#50 Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
📍 More in Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf....
Ryoan-ji
Famous for its rock garden, Ryoan-ji features 15 carefully placed rocks on raked...
Chion-in
The headquarters of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, Chion-in boasts the l...
🏳️ More in Japan
🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (pagodas #6)
- •Ryoan-ji (pagodas #18)
- •Todai-ji in Nara
- •Senso-ji in Tokyo
- •Byodo-in in Uji
Advertisement