How to Get from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera: A Better Way to Explore Kyoto
One of the questions I often hear from first-time visitors to Kyoto is:
"What is the best way to get from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera Temple?"
Of course, you can take a bus from Kyoto Station and get off near Kiyomizu-dera.
But if you have a few hours to spare, I recommend a different approach.
Take the subway from Kyoto Station, then walk through some of Kyoto's most fascinating neighborhoods before arriving at Kiyomizu-dera.
This way, you can enjoy much more than just the temple. Along the way, you can explore Nishiki Market, Gion, Nene-no-Michi, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
My Recommended Route from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera
Here is the route I recommend:
Kyoto Station → Shijo Station → Nishiki Market → Gion → Nene-no-Michi → Ninenzaka → Sannenzaka → Kiyomizu-dera
Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Shijo Station.
Kyoto's official tourism information also recommends using trains as a convenient way to reach major sightseeing areas, combining them with walking when appropriate. Around Kiyomizu-dera, buses and roads can become very crowded, especially during busy periods.
Once you arrive at Shijo Station, the real Kyoto experience begins.
1. Take the Subway from Kyoto Station to Shijo
Start your journey at Kyoto Station and take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station.
Unlike traveling by road, you don't have to worry about traffic congestion, so your travel time is generally easier to predict.
From Shijo Station, leave the subway behind and start exploring Kyoto on foot.
2. Explore Nishiki Market
Your first stop can be Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto's Kitchen."
The market is lined with shops selling Kyoto specialties, including pickles, vegetables, seafood, dashi, sweets and other traditional foods. Instead of simply traveling from one famous sightseeing spot to another, you can experience a little of Kyoto's food culture along the way.
3. Walk Toward Gion
After exploring Nishiki Market, continue east toward Gion. Gion is one of Kyoto's most famous traditional neighborhoods, with historic wooden townhouses, stone-paved streets and traditional restaurants and teahouses.
Cross Shijo Bridge and you'll notice the atmosphere gradually changing.
If you have time, you can also explore Hanamikoji Street and the area around Yasaka Shrine.
4. Continue to Nene-no-Michi
From Gion, continue southeast toward the Higashiyama area.
One of my favorite streets here is Nene-no-Michi, a beautiful stone-paved street surrounded by traditional architecture and historic sites.
It is a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of old Kyoto.
By this point, you will feel a world away from the modern surroundings of Kyoto Station.
5. Walk Through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Now you are getting close to Kiyomizu-dera.
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are historic streets lined with traditional houses, souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants.
As you walk uphill, you can also see Yasaka Pagoda and other historic buildings.
For many visitors, these streets are just as memorable as Kiyomizu-dera itself.
6. Finally, Arrive at Kiyomizu-dera
After walking up Sannenzaka, you will reach the area around Kiyomizu-dera.
By this point, you haven't simply "traveled from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera."
You have walked through Kyoto and gradually made your way to one of its most famous temples.
That is exactly why I recommend this route.
How Long Does It Take?
Allow around four hours for this route if you want to enjoy the sights along the way.
Of course, the actual time depends on how long you spend at Nishiki Market, Gion and the other areas, as well as whether you stop for lunch, coffee or shopping.
If your priority is simply to get to Kiyomizu-dera as quickly as possible, there are faster routes.
But if you want to experience Kyoto along the way, this is a route I highly recommend.
In Kyoto, the Journey Is Part of the Experience
In Kyoto, there is much more to see than just the destination.
Taking a bus directly to a sightseeing spot can certainly be convenient. But if you have some extra time, try walking through the city instead.
The food culture of Nishiki Market.
The traditional streets of Gion.
The stone-paved streets of Higashiyama.
The historic atmosphere of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
And finally, Kiyomizu-dera.
Don't just visit Kiyomizu-dera. Walk through Kyoto to get there.
It can completely change the way you experience the city.
If you would like to explore Kyoto at your own pace, discover more than just the famous sightseeing spots, and experience the neighborhoods and culture along the way, Kyoto Travel Design can help you create a trip around your own interests and travel style.
Why not design your time in Kyoto around the way you want to travel?
