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Kinkakuji Temple vs Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Both are recommended by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Kiyomizu-dera Temple ranks significantly better than Kinkakuji Temple. Kiyomizu-dera Temple ranks #1 in Kyoto with recommendations from 6 sources like Lonely Planet, Time Out and Fodor's.
Kinkakuji Temple
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"Possibly the world's most ostentatious retirement cottage, the magnificent gold-sheathed Kinkaku-ji was built by Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (1358–1409)."
Full review
Travel + Leisure
"A 14th-century Gold Pavilion."
Full review
U.S. News & World Report
10.0
"Its top two floors swathed in gold leaf, the Golden Pavilion sits pretty in Kyoto's northern reaches, overlooking the glassy surface of Mirror Lake...what now stands is a replica of Kinkaku-ji"
Full review
Frommer's
"Features a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf with a roof topped by a bronze phoenix."
Full review
i
Be sure to explore the surrounding park with its moss-covered grounds and teahouses.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Fodor's
Atlas Obscura
Michelin Guide
Time Out
U.S. News & World Report
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Mt. Otowa, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"Pilgrims have climbed Higashiyama's cobblestone streets lined with tea shops and craft vendors to this gorgeous mountainside temple for centuries."
Full review
i
Take off your shoes before descending the stairway for a metaphoric journey into the soul
Atlas Obscura
"A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child. "
Full review
Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Dedicated to merciful Kannon, Kiyomizu-dera dates back to the 8C, although the current buildings date from the 17C."
Full review
Time Out
"If you only visit one temple in Kyoto, make it this World Heritage behemoth."
Full review
U.S. News & World Report
2.0
"Situated on Otowa Mountain in eastern Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple wows travelers with its stunning natural scenery, which visitors say is best viewed from the verandah off the temple's main building"
Full review
