Temples & shrines
Kiyomizu-dera
清水寺
Higashiyama · near Kiyomizu-Gojo (Keihan Line) (20 min walk)
Kiyomizu-dera in Higashiyama. A dramatic hillside temple on giant wooden stilts, with a waterfall you drink from for luck and lively souvenir-and-snack lanes on the walk up.
Why children love it: A dramatic hillside temple on giant wooden stilts, with a waterfall you drink from for luck and lively souvenir-and-snack lanes on the walk up.
Honest drawbacks: The approach is a steep uphill slog through dense crowds, hard with a stroller.
Kiyomizu-dera
- Best for
- Toddlers (2–4), Primary (5–11), Teens (12–17)
- Time to allow
- 1.5h
- Opening hours
- 6:00-18:00 (until 18:30 Jul-Aug; special evening illuminations on set dates)
- Price
- Main hall/grounds ¥500 adult, ¥200 children (elementary/JHS), cash only; approach streets free
- Booking
- Usually walk-in
- English
- ★★★☆☆
- Indoor / weather
- outdoor
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