Kiyomizu-dera

Is this my first time to visit this site. It was absolutely stunning. This is most likely my favorite part in Kyoto. The walk there was beautiful and looking back over the city was even better. The buildings are truly impressive. The view from the balconies are also very beautiful. They should be your number one spot to see in Kyoto.

stunning, green and full of beauty. The vibrant colors and detailed design of the pagoda were amazing up close. Standing there felt peaceful, with the blue sky above and rich history all around. It’s a must-see spot in Kyoto that truly impressed me.

There are places so breathtaking that they seem suspended between worlds — and this temple in Japan is undoubtedly one of them. With its intricate architecture, serene gardens, and sacred atmosphere, it whispers the kind of quiet beauty that lingers in the soul. That is, if you can hear it over the crowd. From the moment you arrive, the reverence of the space is somewhat eclipsed by the throng of visitors shuffling shoulder to shoulder, selfie sticks in hand, and queues that seem to move with the patience of a monk in meditation. The tranquility one expects from such a spiritual place is replaced by the hum of tourism at full volume. Still, the temple’s charm refuses to be overshadowed. In brief, stolen moments — a ray of sun catching the edge of a pagoda, the scent of incense curling through the air — one can catch glimpses of the divine. It’s a place absolutely worth visiting… but perhaps best appreciated with an early alarm and tempered expectations.

Definitely worth the visit. The temple is a complex of multiple temples nearby so you can spend the entire day there. Lots of walking though. It's beautiful and very green. The streets on the way to the temple are also very interesting, lots of good food options and sovinier stores. There is plenty of kimono rentals as well. We took the city bus from Kyoto station, taxi is like 1500 yen and bus fare was like 230, so if you are 4 people just take a taxi

Very impressive, fantastic view from the wooden stage. However, even on a weekday it is utterly packed with tourists. Prepare to slowly squeeze through crowds of people who are all trying to take the best photos. While the crowd and the accompanying noise ruin any sense of spirituality and tranquility, I would still recommend visiting this amazing temple.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a jewel of Kyoto, offers a captivating experience for #aprilblooms. While the intense flurry of peak cherry blossom viewing typically concludes in early April, a visit around mid-to-late April (like today, April 20th, 2025) can still reveal the delicate beauty of late-blooming sakura varieties scattered throughout the temple grounds. These later blossoms offer a more serene viewing experience, contrasting beautifully with the ancient wooden architecture, particularly the famed stage that juts out over the hillside. From this vantage point, the panorama of Kyoto is softened by lingering touches of pink and white against the fresh, vibrant green tapestry of the surrounding trees, a true celebration of spring's renewal. Beyond the cherry blossoms, April at Kiyomizu-dera showcases the awakening of the temple gardens. You'll discover a variety of other spring flowers coming into bloom, adding splashes of color to the landscape. The sacred Otowa Waterfall, a site where visitors collect holy water, is particularly picturesque as it flows amidst the burgeoning greenery. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquil beauty, where the historical significance of the temple harmonizes with the gentle unfolding of the spring season, making it a worthwhile destination to appreciate the subtle yet persistent beauty of #aprilblooms.

Amazingly beautiful temple with amazing views of kyoto. Awesome wooden terraces and lots of room even with a bunch of people. Thoroughly enjoyed this spot and would recommend for anyone to go see. Closes the gates at 6pm and all surrounding shops do the same so be sure to come early enough to enjoy this spot and any of the shops you'd want to see as well.

Probably one of the most beautiful temples in all of Japan, the only downside being that it is super busy. The surrounding area, all of the buildings that make it up, and even the walk-up to it are absolutely amazing! It's definitely a must visit place in Japan. It's just such a shame that it's so packed all of the time