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Nanzen-ji TemplevsKiyomizu-dera Temple
Both are rated highly by expert writers. Overall, Kiyomizu-dera Temple scores significantly higher than Nanzen-ji Temple. Kiyomizu-dera Temple comes in at 97 with praise from 6 reviews such as Fodor's, Frommer's and Lonely Planet.
Nanzen-ji Temple
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
Time Out
86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8435
From $0/night
Fodor's "Enter through...the classic "gateless" gate of Zen Buddhism that symbolizes entrance into the most sacred part of the temple precincts." Full review
i
A climb to the top of this temple's pagoda affords superb views of the eastern mountains.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Nanzen-ji, a Zen complex since the 13C, stands in wooded grounds and is comprised of several secondary temples." Full review
Time Out "Nanzen-ji is an awesome sight, and has played a significant part in popularising Zen Buddhism in Kyoto." Full review
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.
