Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Information
MAP
Basic information
Please note that the information and photos provided here might be outdated, so always confirm before your visit.
| Address | 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan |
| Access | A 25-minute walk from the “Kiyomizu-Gojo Station” on the Keihan Railway. |
| Phone | TEL 075-551-1234 |
| Website | Japanese Website English Website |
| Recommended flowers | Cherry Blossoms: Late March to Early April |
| Highlights | Situated in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also one of Japan’s most renowned temples. Overlooking the city from a hillside, the temple transforms into a sea of pink during cherry blossom season, offering a view that has enchanted visitors for centuries. |
Photos
Guide to Enjoyment
Cherry Blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera
With the onset of spring, Kiyomizu-dera is awash with the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms. The vast temple grounds are filled with these blooms, making it a sought-after location for those wishing to bask in the beauty of sakura.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to experience the full splendor of cherry blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera is between late March and early April, although the exact timing can fluctuate yearly.
Highlights
– **Nio-mon Gate**: The first sight for most visitors is the Nio-mon Gate, elegantly framed by cherry trees in bloom.
– **Main Hall**: From the main hall’s vast wooden terrace, one can soak in a panoramic vista of blossoming trees against Kyoto’s cityscape.
– **Otowa Waterfall**: Directly below the main hall, this waterfall offers waters believed to bring good fortune. Visitors can partake in the ritual of drinking from its streams.
Nearby Attractions
Kiyomizu-dera is merely the beginning. The area surrounding the temple is rich in attractions worth exploring.
Gion District
A brief walk from Kiyomizu-dera, Gion stands as Kyoto’s premier geisha district. Meander through its ancient streets, and if luck is on your side, you might spot a geisha or maiko en route to their evening engagements.
Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka Slopes
These historically preserved paths showcase traditional wooden machiya houses. Both streets offer a delightful mix of history, with shops, cafes, and eateries that offer a modern twist.
Kodai-ji Temple
Close to Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji is another temple known for its magnificent landscape garden. In spring, its cherry trees, coupled with the evening illuminations, create a scene that’s truly magical.
Travel Tips
– **Getting There**: Kiyomizu-dera is accessible by several bus routes.
– **Footwear**: Given the temple’s expansive grounds, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
– **Etiquette**: As always, visitors should maintain decorum. Ensure to keep noise to a minimum, particularly during prayer sessions, and adhere to the temple’s photography guidelines.
Kiyomizu-dera, especially during cherry blossom season, is a tapestry of history, nature, and spirituality. Ensure you carve out time to relish the serenity and beauty it has to offer. The experience is bound to remain etched in your memory.
