Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous temple in Kyoto. It is inscribed on the World Heritage List as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto. Nothing beats exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its surrounding area such as Sanneizaka and Nineizaka walking trail on foot while wearing a kimono.
After visiting Fushimi Inari, I took Keihan Railway line to Kiyomizu-Gojo station. From there it is a 20 minutes walk to Kiyozmizu-dera Temple. Along the way, there are a few ceramic shop selling Japanese porcelain bowls and cups.
Look at those cute small plates and chopstick rest, pricing at a few hundred yen. Now looking at the photo, I regretted I didn’t buy some.
The weather got colder in the evening but it was still a pleasant walk.
Soon, we were at Shimizu New Way Chawan-zaka.
A shop selling hand painted T-shirts.
A shop selling traditional paper fan.
Okamoto Orimono Honten is a kimono rental shop. It has a few branches in Kyoto and you can choose which shop is most conveniently located for you.
It’s an uphill walk to the temple.
Nio-mon is the main entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This two story gate is one of the most photographed site in Kyoto.
This is Sanjunoto, the three story pagoda.
Sai-mon (West Gate) was reconstructed in 1631. It was said that it has spectacular view of sunset.
This is the entrance to the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The admission fee is 400 yen. I’ve been to Kiyomizu-dera temple before and therefore didn’t go in this time. You can read about my previous visit here. Please note that the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera is presently being renovated. Construction is slated to finish in March 2020.
Lots of ladies in kimono taking photographs at Nio-mon.
Looking down from Nio-mon to Kiyomizu-michi which is always bustling with tourist.
Kiyomizu-michi is a shopping street which leads to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Plenty of traditional Japanese souvenirs can be found in the shops.
My sister browsing the handbag collection in a shop.
Cute Japanese doll is a popular souvenir to bring home.
Continue walking on Kiyomizuzaka and you’ll soon see Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka), a stone paved path leading downhill.
You can find Kyoto cuisine restaurant, stores selling Kyoto specialties and various boutiques along this path.
It is said that if you fall down at Sanneizaka, you will have bad luck for three years. If you do fall down, fret not, you can break your bad luck by purchasing a gourd at Hyotanya which is located at the beginning of the Sanneizaka.
This is also one the best place to people watching as many kimono clad girls passed by this street while heading to or leaving Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Inoda Coffee shop is a famous coffee shop in Kyoto. It also has a branch in Kiyomizu-dera area.
Further down the path is Nineizaka (Ninenzaka). It is another traditional street much like Sanneizaka.
Along Nineizaka, you will find a Starbucks cafe cleverly disguised and blending in with its surroundings as it preserves the exterior of a Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto residence).
This is the world’s first Starbucks joint with tatami seating. You can’t wait outside as you’ll be blocking the way of passerby. So if you want to wait for your turn, you should go inside and consult a staff member.
A shop selling various design of umbrellas. The Japanese can turn everything and anything into art, I swear!
A Hello Kitty cafe.
Donguri (Ghibli Shop).
Inside the Ghibli shop, there’s a large Totoro figurine greeting visitors.
Next to the Ghibli shop is the entrance to the Hello Kitty cafe.
A map of surrounding area. We were at the end of Ichinenzaka.
Traditional Japanese house in Kodaiji area.
Behind me is Kodaiji Temple which was established in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, by Hideyoshi's wife, Nene who is also enshrined at the temple. The path in front of Kodaiji is called Nene Road.
Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Gion. It is adjacent to Maruyama Park, one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.
Kyo no Komeryotei Hachidaime Gihei is a restaurant famous for its freshly made rice served straight from the claypot in Gion area. Lunch set is more affordable at about 1,410 yen while dinner set starts from 4,930 yen. Therefore you’ll see people lining up in front of the restaurant during lunch time.
There is a Pablo cheese tart cafe and Okamoto kimono rental shop across the road.
We chose to have dinner at Gion Kyomen after returning the kimono.
It serves Udon and rice set. The food is not bad and reasonably priced.
Interior of Gion Kyomen.
Yasaka Shrine as seen illuminated at night. It was an eventful day and we had so much fun exploring Kyoto while dressing in kimono.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opens at 6am everyday. The closing time differs depending on the season.
Admission fee: 400 yen
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