Kiyomizu-dera TemplevsKodai-ji Temple
Both are rated very highly by professional reviewers. On balance, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the choice of most professionals compared to Kodai-ji Temple. Kiyomizu-dera Temple ranks #1 in Kyoto with approval from 6 reviews such as Michelin Guide, Frommer's and Lonely Planet.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Fodor's
Atlas Obscura
Michelin Guide
Time Out
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
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 Report2.0
"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
Frommer's "This is Higashiyama-ku's most famous temple, known throughout Japan for the grand views afforded from its main hall." Full review
i
Ask for the English-language pamphlet and be sure to take the ultimate test: On the shrine's grounds are two "love-fortune telling" stones placed 9m (30 ft.
Kodai-ji Temple Fodor's Michelin Guide Frommer's
526 Kodaiji Shimo-Kawaramachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
From $0/night
Fodor's "The elegant Momoyama-era temples and teahouses of Kodai Temple are set in an expansive garden of serene pools." Full review
i
Avoid holiday weekends, when the place is packed.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Kodai-ji, a temple founded in 1606 by the widow of a high-ranking nobleman, was partially destroyed by fire." Full review
Frommer's "Founded in 1605 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's widow, popularly referred to as Nene, to commemorate her husband and to pacify his spirit." Full review
