A walk in Kyoto

Kiyomizu and the old lanes

清水寺と東山の坂道

Best at 7 am · Maruyama Park cherries bloom in spring

2.7 km, about 2.5 h, 8 stops from Kiyomizu-michi. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Kiyomizu-michi

Kiyomizu-dera Niōmon清水寺仁王門
The red gate, about 14 m tall. The temple opens at 6 am.
Main Hall and stage清水寺本堂
The wooden stage hangs over the slope. Walk on to Okunoin to see it from the side.
Sannenzaka産寧坂
Stone steps between old townhouses. People live here: no tripods, keep to one side.
Ninenzaka二寧坂
A gentler run of steps and wooden shopfronts below Sannenzaka.
Yasaka Pagoda八坂の塔（法観寺）
A five-storey pagoda, 46 m tall, said to date from 589. Visitors may go inside.
Ishibei-kōji石塀小路
A short stone-paved lane between old walls. Quiet, and lived in.
Kōdai-ji高台寺
A Zen temple and garden on the hillside. The gate opens at 9 am.
Maruyama Park円山公園
A park known for its cherry trees, just behind Yasaka Shrine.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026