Enjoy Kyoto's skyline just for the two of you from the less-crowded early morning Stage of Kiyomizu
About this spot
A temple representing Kyoto, famous for its "Stage of Kiyomizu," and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site under "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The main hall's suspended construction, built without a single nail on a cliff edge, is breathtaking, and the Kyoto cityscape stretches out before the stage in panoramic views. Opening at 6 a.m., the early morning hours before tourist crowds arrive allow you to savor the sunrise-lit landscape in crisp air at leisure, just the two of you. At Otowa Waterfall, three streams of water flow down, each said to offer benefits for academic success, love, and longevity—choosing the stream for love fulfillment and drinking it is a uniquely romantic date experience. There are many sights to see, including the vermillion-painted Niomon Gate and three-tiered pagoda, and the sparsely populated early morning grounds are picture-perfect.
Tips
About 25 minutes walk from Kiyomizu Gojo Station on the Keihan Line, or about 10 minutes uphill from Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stops. Opening at 6 a.m., visiting by 8 a.m. allows you to stroll the stage and approach path unhurriedly before school groups and tour buses arrive. Main hall admission is 400 yen for adults. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the grounds have many stone steps and slopes. Shops along the approach and Kiyomizu-zaka open around 10 a.m., so visiting the temple first during your morning visit is efficient.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1.5 hours. Early morning, from just after opening until before 9 a.m., is remarkably uncrowded and ideal for quietly enjoying the Stage of Kiyomizu.
Access & map
〒605-0862 Kyoto, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Kiyomizu 1-chome-294
Model course featuring this spot
Higashiyama: Early Morning Kiyomizu Temple & Stone-Paved Stroll
Kyoto
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