Kiyomizu-dera and Shopping Street - Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) is well-known temple in Kyoto. Many visitors visit this temple thoughout the year. There will be crowded in the afternoon. It would be better if you come early in the morning. On the way to Kiyomizu-dera, there are many interesting things such as Japanese house, park, and shopping street. If you visit in the winter, there will be illumination in the evening.

 

Access

1. From JR Kyoto Station

1.1 By train: take JR Nara line to Tofukuji Station and connect with Keihan Main/Nakanoshima Line Local to Gion-Shijo Station (270 yen, 20 mins). Walk 20 minutes 

1.2 By bus:

City Bus (Kyoto Transportation Bureau): Get off at the Gojozaka Stop on Route 206 bound for Higasihama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal or Route 100 bound for Kiyomizu-dera Gion/Ginkaku-ji and walk 10 minutes. 

2. From JR Osaka Station

2.1 By train only: take JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Kyobashi Station and change to Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station (560 yen, 50 mins). Walk 20 minutes

2.2 By train and bus: take JR Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station (560 yen, 30 mins) and take the bus follow no.1.2.

I took the train to Kyobashi station and change to Keihan Line. When got off at Gion-Shijo station, it's Shijo Dori. There were many shops along both side. Walked 5 minutes (go straight and cross the road), arrived this gate.

After entered this gate, arrived Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) which is place for celebrating Gion Matsuri in July. Many lanterns as below photo is the dance stage. The main hall is next to dance stage.

Maruyama Park is near Yasaka Shrine. This park is the famous place for sakura viewing spot in April. There are few stores selling souvenirs, fooก and drink around here.

On the way to Kizyomizu-dera, could enjoy the scenery. There were Japanese house and shopping street. There will be crowded especially near the gate to temple. Many stores such as souvenir shops, accessories, snack, drink on the shopping street.

 Here is the map of Kiyomizu-dera.

*Map from Kiyomizu-der website. 

After passed Deva Gate, saw the Three-storied pagoda.
Before entered to the hall, purchased the ticket (400 yen for Adult).
From the hall's balcony, the scenery was beautiful.

Went down to see Otowa Waterfall which is famous for this temple.
There are 3 water streams which bring success, love, and longevity. Should select and drink only one. There were many people wait for the queue. On that day, there were school field trip.