A floating shrine surrounded by red forests truly feels like stepping into a dreamlike, sacred world. The shrine itself, often painted in vivid vermilion, seems to hover gracefully over the water during high tide, with its reflection shimmering in the calm surface below. Beautiful, and I don’t suggest buying tickets. Just walk the opposite way of the red trees surrounding the track (of course we bought tickets). The surrounding red forest adds to the enchantment, especially in autumn when the trees blaze with fiery hues of scarlet, crimson, and orange, their vibrant colors contrasting beautifully with the tranquil blue of the water and the shrine’s striking architecture. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and tower in Kyoto.
VERY crowded, but worth a visit! GO EARLY before the tour groups arrive. We went around 9 am on a weekday, and it was already packed with tour groups that all sort of arrived at once, making photo ops quite difficult. Honestly, I recommend just soaking in the architecture and vibes instead of stressing about pictures. The temple itself is stunning, and its surroundings make it a must-visit if you’re in Kyoto. The intricate design and historical significance truly stand out despite the crowd. Fun fact: the entrance ticket design changes depending on the season, which is a cute touch! Even with the chaos, it’s one of those places you’ll want to visit at least once for the experience. Try to go early, but prepare for crowds regardless.
I visited Kiyomizu-dera in December of last year, and it was truly a memorable experience. The temple itself is stunning, surrounded by beautiful nature that enhances its charm. From there, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Kyoto. I imagine it would be even more beautiful during autumn or spring when the seasons change. On the way to the temple, there’s also an old Japanese village worth exploring, offering a glimpse into traditional culture. I absolutely loved the area and enjoyed soaking in the surrounding views. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Kyoto!
We went on Wednesday around 4pm. Took bus 106 from Kyoto Bus Station, and it was super packed with tourists. You will need to climb a slope to reach the temple, with streets filled with many shops and tourists alike. Entering the front part of the temple is free, but you need to pay 500Y to access the back portion where the famous views are taken. Overall, it is just too crowded. While the view is nice, I feel that it's not worth squeezing in with so many people.
This is absolutely stunning. It's definitely crowded but that's for a reason. It's on a small hill like many other temples in the area. But the unique setting and the trails once you are inside are unbeatable. I did not expect the temple to be this huge. One of the few temples where the entry price was actually justified.
