Timeline
16:22
Grab a coffee and sit outside. Otowa Saryo is just five minutes from the temple entrance, giving you a calm start before the crowds build.
16:47
Walk up to Kiyomizu Temple. The temple opens at 06:00, so it is ready for you. Position yourself on the main stage to watch the sun dip below the horizon toward the WSW.
17:32
Head to Camellia, Tea Ceremony. This traditional Geisha house is a nine-minute walk from the temple. Join an authentic tea ceremony with instruction and a bowl of sweet tea.
18:07
Ishiusubikinihachisoba Sobashiki Kiyomizuten
End with dinner at Ishiusubikinihachisoba Sobashiki Kiyomizuten. This spot serves authentic handcrafted soba noodles and is only a seven-minute walk from the tea house.
Local tip
The temple grounds are popular, so arriving before the sunset moment helps you find a good spot on the stage. The tea ceremony is a quiet contrast to the day's noise.
Check before you go
- Kiyomizu Temple opens daily from 06:00 to 18:00, but hours can vary, so check the website before you go.
- Otowa Saryo is open from 10:00 to 16:30, so visit before the sunset moment.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kyoto (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).