Kiyomizu-dera, % Arabica Coffee, Hokan-ji Temple Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera Temple 清水寺, one of the most famous temples in Japan. The temple was founded in the year of 778 AD halfway up Mountain Otawa, main hall reconstructed in 1633 without using even a single nail, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. — These reasons have already enough to make Kiyomizu-dera Temple a worthwhile tourist attraction, must-visit when in Kyoto Japan to pay respect to the temple’s 1200 years of history.

There are few ways to reach Kiyomizu-dera temple, whether you are from Osaka, Tokyo, Kansai International Airport, or Osaka Itami Aiport. Visitors can get on airport limousine bus, airport train, taxi or Shinkansen depends on original location, then get off at Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, there will bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which we feel, is the easiest way.

During our visit, we came from Kansai International Airport. We boarded on Airport Express Train HARUKA using money saving ICOCA & HARUKA tourist pass, and took about 90minutes to reach JR Kyoto Station. Bus is the main public transport in Kyoto, hence getting around the city by bus is convenient.

How to go Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto Station:
1. Exit through Central Gate 中央口, look for a row of bus stops in front of the station, towards right handside.
2. Queue at bus stand D1 or D2.
3. Get on City Bus No. 206 bound for Kitaoji bus terminal via Higasihama-dori, get off at 五条坂 Gojo-zaka stop / 清水道 Kiyomizu-michi, walk for 10 minutes
4. Or, city Bus No. 100 bound for Ginkaku-ji via Kiyomizu-dera Gion, get off at 五条坂 Gojo-zaka stop / 清水道 Kiyomizu-michi stop, walk for 10 minutes
5. Alternative: Keihan Railway Line, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. Walk for 20 minutes

We looked for the longest queue, with many of them in the line holding tourist guide book hahaha. A sign for safety. It was D2 bus stop. Long queue but waiting time was acceptable, about 20minutes. Bus fare 230 yen, standard per trip price for all stops within the City Bus Line Loop. Instead of getting off at Gojo-zaka, the stop which leads you directly to Kiyomizu-dera temple, we got down at the next stop, which is Kiyomizu-michi bus stop 清水道バス for a glance of Yasaka Pagoda.

Just few steps forward from the bus stop, standing at the corner of Higashiji, you will see Yakasa Pagoda.

Yakasa Dori 八坂通, a quieter lane in the area compared to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. To the West, there is Kenninji Temple. To the east, Yakasa Pagoda, which is also our direction to Kiyomizudera.

% Arabica Coffee! Another reason that made us got down at Kiyomizu-michi stop. The cafe is run by Junichi Yamaguchi-san, a self-learnt Japanese barista who has won the Latte Art World Championship few years ago. Thousands words cut short, in sum, he is Summergirl ‘s favourite barista hahaha. A cafe that inserts minimalism, modern charm within the nostalgic area.

Summergirl was so happy when she spotted Junichi san in the cafe. Straight away left Summerkid behind ( who was still finding the best angle to capture Hokan-ji Temple ), ran inside and asked for a photo with Junichi Yamaguchi once she done ordering her takeaway latte. OMG so beh pai seh. @.@

% Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama Coffee
Address:
87-5 Hoshinocho,
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto,
Kyoto Prefecture 605-0853, Japan.
Contact:+81 75-746-3669
Opening Hours: 8AM–6PM

法観寺 (八坂の塔) Hokan-ji (Yasaka Pagoda). A 46 metres tall temple with roofs layering in tiers, located between Kiyomizudera Temple and Yakasa Shrine. Visitors can enter the temple at 400 yen per person. We only took pictures from outside.

Hokan-ji Temple 法観寺
Address:
388 Yasaka Kami-machi,
Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku,
Kyoto City.
Contact: +81-(0)75-551-2417
Public Transport: Take City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station, stop at Kiyomizu-michi City Bus Stop
Nearest Parking: Ryozen Kannon Pay Carpark (5-minute walk)
Opening Hours: 10AM- 4PM
Entrance fees: 400 yen (*free for under elementary school students)
Suggested touring time : 30 minutes

金剛寺 Yakasa koshin-do

A small temple in Higashiyama. What attracted us from this 1000 year-old temple is the many mini, colourful monkey dolls having their hands and legs tied together. Entrance to garden is free, opened from 9AM to 5PM.

Next up: Kiyomizu Dera Temple Walking Street – The famous Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka for shopping!! Also, Gion Yakasa Shrine and Hanamikoji Street!!

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