From Osaka, take the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto Station (28 minutes), then city bus 206 to Gojo-zaka stop and walk 10 minutes to the temple. Total: about 55 minutes. Alternatively, use the Keihan Line from Namba to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station for a more direct approach to the temple area.
Quick Answer: JR Kyoto Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, then bus 206 to Gojo-zaka. About 55 minutes total, approximately 810 yen. JR Pass covers the JR leg. Bus 230 yen. Alternatively, Keihan Line from Yodoyabashi to Kiyomizu-Gojo for a slightly faster approach from the south Osaka area.
Best Route
JR + Bus (recommended for JR Pass holders): JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (28 minutes, 580 yen, JR Pass). Bus 206 from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka (15 minutes, 230 yen). Walk 10 minutes up to the temple.
Keihan Line (recommended from the Namba area): Keihan Limited Express from Yodoyabashi (central Osaka) to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (50 minutes, 430 yen). Walk 10 minutes uphill to the temple. Total about 65 minutes, but more direct from south and central Osaka without needing to go to Osaka Station.
Step-by-Step Directions
JR + Bus route:
Step 1: JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. 28 minutes, JR Pass valid.
Step 2: At Kyoto Station north exit bus terminal, board Bus 206 from Bay D2 toward the Higashiyama direction. About 15 minutes to the Gojo-zaka stop, 230 yen.
Step 3: Walk up the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka stone approach to Kiyomizudera. About 10 minutes uphill. Temple entry is 500 yen for adults.
Keihan route:
Step 1: Keihan Line from Yodoyabashi Station (connected to Osaka Metro Midosuji Line) toward Kyoto. Take a Limited Express or Express to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station: about 50 minutes, 430 yen.
Step 2: Walk north from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station uphill toward Kiyomizudera—about 10 to 15 minutes. Follow signs.
Cost
JR + Bus: 580 yen (JR, pass valid) + 230 yen (bus) = 810 yen.
Keihan Line: Approximately 430 yen. Not covered by JR Pass.
Temple entry: 500 yen afor adults
Travel Time
JR plus bus route: approximately 55 to 65 minutes from Osaka Station to the temple gate.
Keihan route: approximately 65 minutes from Yodoyabashi.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Osaka to Kiyomizudera is not practical due to the distance (approximately 50 km) and cost (12,000 to 20,000 yen). Take the train.
Best Option with Luggage
Store luggage at Osaka Station or Kyoto Station coin lockers. The uphill walk to Kiyomizudera on stone-paved lanes is not suitable for rolling suitcases.
Best Option Late at Night
Kiyomizudera has seasonal night illuminations. Last JR Special Rapid from Kyoto to Osaka departs around midnight. The last Keihan train from Kiyomizu-Gojo to the Osaka area runs until after 11 pm.
Nearby Guides
- Kiyomizudera Temple Guide
- Osaka3-Days Itinerary
- Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary
- Gion Kyoto Guide
- Fushimi Inari Guide
FAQ
Is it worth going to Kiyomizudera as a day trip from Osaka?
Yes. At 55 minutes from Osaka Station to the temple gate, Kiyomizudera is very manageable as part of a Kyoto day trip from Osaka. Combine it with Gion and Fushimi Inari for a full day. See the
What is the difference between the JR and Keihan routes from Osaka?
The JR route via Osaka Station and Kyoto Station is faster and covered by the JR Pass. The Keihan route is useful from Namba or the the southern areas of central Osaka, as it avoids going to Osaka Station first. Both are good options depending on your starting point.
Is Kiyomizudera open early in the morning?
Yes. Kiyomizudera opens at 6 am daily. Arriving early from Osaka (depart by7 amm) gets you to the temple b8 amam, well before the main crowds from Kyoto-based visitors and tour groups.
