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Kyoto Imperial Palace vs Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are both highly recommended by writers. On balance, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the choice of most writers compared to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is ranked #1 in Kyoto with accolades from 6 sources like Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Time Out.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
3 Kyoto-Gyoen Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0881
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"The present structure dates from 1855. It's hardly palatial, though fine in its way; the ingenious cypress-bark roof is particularly attractive."
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You can usually arrange a same-day visit by showing your passport at the office in the park's northwest corner, or you can make a request online.
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The first Imperial Palace was built in 794 and since then has been burned down and rebuilt a total of 16 times."
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Frommer's
"The palace shows the restful designs of the peaceful Heian Period, and the emperor's private garden is graceful."
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Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"The surrounding Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is open to the public from dawn to dusk and can be visited freely."
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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."
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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. "
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Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Dedicated to merciful Kannon, Kiyomizu-dera dates back to the 8C, although the current buildings date from the 17C."
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Time Out
"If you only visit one temple in Kyoto, make it this World Heritage behemoth."
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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"
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