The standard route from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizudera Temple is to take city bus 206 or 100 from the Kyoto Station bus terminal to the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi stop, then a 10-minute walk up the slope. About 20 minutes total and 230 yen. Taxis take about 10 minutes. There is no direct train to Kiyomizudera.
Quick Answer: City bus 206 or 100 from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi stop: About 15 to 20 minutes, 230 yen. Then walk 10 minutes up the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka approach to the temple. Total: 25 to 30 minutes from the bus stop departure.
Best Route
Bus 206 or 100 (recommended): From Kyoto Station Bus Terminal (north side of the station), board Bus 206 (clockwise loop) or Bus 100 (Kyoto Station to Ginkakuji via Kiyomizudera). Get off at Gojo-zaka (the stop for the main Sannenzaka approach) or Kiyomizu-michi (slightly closer to the temple): about 15 minutes, 230 yen.
Walk: Walking from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizudera takes about 30 to 35 minutes uphill through the eastern Gion district, a pleasant route in good weather through the Shijo and Sanjo areas.
Taxi: About 10 minutes, 1,000 to 1,500 yen. Drops you near the Sannen-zaka approach. Practical in wet weather or with luggage.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: At Kyoto Station, exit from the north side (Karasuma Exit) and cross the main road to the large bus terminal. The bus bays are clearly numbered. Bus 206 departs from Bay D2. Bus 100 departs from Bay A1 (note: Bus 100 is a tourist express bus with slightly higher fare on some services). Check the bay signs.
Step 2: Board Bus 206 (or 100) and pay 230 yen at the exit (IC card accepted; tap the reader when boarding and exiting, or pay cash into the slot at the front when exiting). Ride to Gojo-zaka stop (about 15 minutes, 8 stops) or Kiyomizu-michi if you prefer the northern approach path.
Step 3: At Gojo-zaka, walk up the slope following signs for Kiyomizudera. The ascent takes about 10 minutes through Sannenzaka (a stone-paved lane with shops and cafes). The temple gate is at the top.
Cost
City bus: 230 yen. IC cards accepted.
Walk: Free.
Taxi: Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 yen.
Kiyomizudera entry: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for children.
Travel Time
Bus: Kyoto Station to the temple gate: approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Walk: approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
Taxi: approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the door to the approach entrance.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizudera costs approximately 1,000 to 1,500 yen and takes about 10 minutes. More practical on rainy days, during morning peak bus hours when buses are crowded, or when travelling with mobility limitations. The taxi drops you at the Sannen-zaka entrance, from which the temple gate is about 8 minutes uphill.
Best Option with Luggage
A taxi is the best option for luggage, given the narrow, stone-paved approaches and the uphill walk to the temple. Alternatively, store bags in the coin lockers at Kyoto Station (ample supply) before taking the bus. The slope from Gojo-zaka to the temple is not suitable for rolling suitcases.
Best Option Late at Night
Kiyomizudera has seasonal evening illuminations in spring (late March to April) and autumn (mid-November to early December), with the temple open until 9 pm. City buses run reduced schedules late evening. A taxi back to Kyoto Station after the evening illumination is the most practical option.
Nearby Guides
- Kiyomizudera Temple Guide
- Gion Kyoto Guide
- Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Guide
- Fushimi Inari Guide
FAQ
Is there a direct train from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizudera?
No direct train serves Kiyomizudera. The closest stations are Kiyomizu-Gojo on the Keihan Line (about a 10-minute walk from the temple up the hill) and Gion-Shijo on the Keihan Line. The bus from Kyoto Station or the Keihan Line from other areas of Kyoto are the main transit options.
What is the difference between Gojo-zaka and Kiyomizu-michi bus stops?
Gojo-zaka is the stop for the main Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka approach to the temple, which passes through the most atmospheric preserved stone-paved streets. Kiyomizu-michi is slightly closer to the temple, but the approach is less scenic. Most visitors prefer Gojo-zaka.
When is the best time to visit Kiyomizudera?
The temple opens at 6 am on any day, and the morning quiet before tour groups arrive is the most peaceful time. Cherry blossom (late March to April) and autumn foliage (mid-November) are the most spectacular seasons.
