Kiyomizu-dera
Buddhist temple · Kyoto-shi ·
Temple with wooden stage & Otowa waterfall, city views
Temple with wooden stage & Otowa waterfall, city views
"Visiting Kiyomizudera let me appreciate Kyoto’s temple heritage up close—its historical significance and views have made it increasingly popular with visitors." - CNT Editors
"Set atop a hill with a breathtaking view over the city, the temple delivers one of the most peaceful and visually stunning experiences—the golden temple shining over the water is said to be a sight you have to see for yourself (photos don’t do it justice), and even with the crowds the whole place felt calm and peaceful, offering a beautiful blend of history, culture, nature, and spirituality." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A Buddhist temple dating back more than a millennium, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site." - Christina Liao
"I wandered the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto as part of long, gentle temple strolls that are perfect for family exploration." - Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, TravelAge West, Ventura Blvd, and L.A. Parent, writing about food, family travel, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Kiyomizu-dera on Mount Otowa is one of the most famous temples in Japan , a place that appears in every sequence of Japanese travel photos. The landscape is all cherry trees and forest; it is among Kyoto 's loveliest spots. The current structure dates to 1633 and is one of 33 temples on a pilgrimage circuit in the Kansai region dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The circuit runs from the south ofWakayama north to the Sea of Japan . You’ll see pilgrims carrying nokyo-cho —books stamped to record the visit—and monks busily inscribing in calligraphy. The temple, set against a steep hill and constructed on huge pilings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site."
