Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple early in the morning

Kiyomizu-dera Temple opens at 6:00 a.m. early in the morning. Many temples in Kyoto open around 9:00, so early morning visits are recommended for those who want to make the most of their time in Kyoto and avoid the crowds. The sunrise time in Kyoto on this day(17th December) is 6:59. I was worried that the road would be frozen due to the cold rain the previous day, but I left the hotel so that I could visit the temple around sunrise. This time, I booked a hotel ( Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Kiyomizu Gojo ) located between Subway Gojo Station and Keihan Kiyomizu Gojo Station, so Kiyomizu Temple is within walking distance. It was a perfect location for an early morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Route to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

First, head for Higashiyama Gojo (intersection) from the hotel where you are staying.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a 15-minute walk from Higashiyama Gojo (intersection) .
You can see the points on the route in the photo below.

6:58
Higashiyama Gojo

This is Higashiyama Gojo. The intersection of Higashiyama-dori and Gojo-dori.
7:00
Higashiyama Gojo ~ Gojo-zaka

Enter Gojo-zaka from Higashiyama Gojo intersection. Almost no cars pass. The pedestrian crossing, which is usually full of people, is empty.
7:07
Gojo-zaka~Chawan-zaka

When you enter Chawan-zaka, you will see a three-storied pagoda.
7:13
Chawan-zaka

If you go up the stairs at the end, you will come to the front of the Niomon gate.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

It was my first time to visit Kiyomizu-dera with so few people. You can visit at your own pace and there are no other people in your photos.

This time it was winter, so it wasn't crowded even when I visited at 7:00, but if you're visiting during the spring, summer, or fall, it's better to arrive at Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 6:00.

7:15
Nio-mon & Three-storied Pagoda

There are only two or three groups of worshippers around. You can take pictures without letting other people in.
7:20
To Hondo (Main hall)

Pay the admission fee of 400 yen directly at the at the Todoroki-mon gate and go to the national treasure "Hondo(Main hall)". It is very solemn and quiet.
7:20
Shusse-Daikokuten

Shusse Daikokuten is one of the seven gods of good fortune and is the god of good fortune and wealth.

7:22
Naijin

Naijin is an area where shoes are strictly prohibited.There are several thick cypress pillars.
7:25
Kiyomizu stage

Kiyomizu stage is made of cypress wood.The stage offers a stunning view of the whole city of Kyoto, whose beauty has long captivated many worshipers.
7:30
View of Kiyomizu-dera main hall from Okuno-in

You can see Kiyomizu stage from Okuno-in. Worshipers are still sparse.

7:30
View of Kyoto city from Okuno-in

The snow-capped Mt. Atago can be clearly seen beyond the city area in the morning sun.
7:30
Full view of Kiyomizu-dera Temple

You can see the entire view of Kiyomizu-dera, including Three-storied pagoda, Sutra hall, and Hondo(Main hall).
7:35
The architecture of the Main hall

Hondo(Main hall) was built on a steep cliff using a traditional Japanese method of construction. Its structure is supported by over 13 meter-high pillars from its foundation.

Early morning visits to Kiyomizu-dera are recommended, even during cherry blossom seasons.

From in front of Kiyomizu-dera Nio-mon Gate

You can see Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station in the distance. A few years ago when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. (Not early in the morning, but...)

Route to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Higashiyama Gojo

Higashiyama Gojo ~ Gojo-zaka

Gojo-zaka~Chawan-zaka

Chawan-zaka

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Nio-mon & Three-storied Pagoda

To Hondo (Main hall)

Shusse-Daikokuten

Naijin

Kiyomizu stage

View of Kiyomizu-dera main hall from Okuno-in

View of Kyoto city from Okuno-in

Full view of Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The architecture of the Main hall

Early morning visits to Kiyomizu-dera are recommended, even during cherry blossom seasons.

From in front of Kiyomizu-dera Nio-mon Gate