Just beautiful. The structures are so beautiful. The views of kyoto city from the top are amazing. You can also see the kyoto tower from the top. It's a climb to reach this place on a hor summer day but stop and check out the souvenir shops in the way up so you would not realise the distance. Do visit the place.
Kiyomizu-dera was honestly a pleasant surprise. I initially thought it would just be another temple where you'd take a few photos and leave, but the entire area turned out to be much more enjoyable than I expected.
There are plenty of kimono rental shops nearby, and walking up the streets in a kimono really adds to the experience. Along the way, you'll find all kinds of local snacks, souvenir shops, cafes, and traditional storefronts, making the journey just as interesting as the temple itself.
The crowds are absolutely massive, especially during peak periods, but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. I'd recommend setting aside at least 2–3 hours for the visit so you can explore the surrounding streets at a relaxed pace.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Kyoto!
It's a must in Kyoto!, I went in winter and just for one day and this place was one of the first things to explore. It's such a gorgeous and traditional temple, with a extensive history and such particularities that makes it instantly recognizable.
It's best to go at morning or afternoon hours so you can see the beauty of the temple intertwine with the season of the year you're currently in (that also, the ticket for the inside is given to you based on the season you go, which was such beautiful detail and souvenir).
In the time I went, it was in the middle of winter but there wasn't snowing at all at that time, so it's best to go when the whether gets convenient on those ways too.
The first part of the temple (before the entrance) is really pretty and has very nice views. Then, to go inside, you have to pay a little amount of money (I remember it was at 500 yen at the time), but it's totally worth it, the many nice photos you can take up there is awesome and it's a very walkable temple (with many things to see, like another pagoda nearby, statues and some little torii's).
Kiyomizu-dera is perhaps the most famous Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It was founded in 778, although most of the buildings standing today date back to 1633. What makes the temple truly unique is its large wooden terrace, supported by an intricate interlocking timber framework that was built without the use of a single nail. Admission costs ¥500 (just under €3). Once inside the temple complex, you can explore the various buildings and take a short walk through the surrounding forest, which offers a beautiful alternative view of the temple. One of the site's more unusual attractions is a replica of the spear used by the warrior monk Benkei: it weighs nearly 100 kg, and visitors often challenge themselves to see if they can lift it.
Amazing place with even better views and scenic spots throughout the entire temple grounds. The architecture, surrounding nature, and panoramic views of Kyoto make it easy to see why this is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The only downside is the large crowds, which are pretty much unavoidable. Despite that, there are still plenty of beautiful places to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere. Definitely worth visiting at least once if you’re in Kyoto.
