Complete Access Guide to Kiyomizudera | How to Get There by Bus, Stop Locations & Fares [2026 Edition]

Kiyomizudera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions — and one that has no dedicated nearby train station. Even the closest station, Keihan Railway’s Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, is about a 25-minute walk away. For this reason, most visitors take a bus to get there.

This guide covers how to reach Kiyomizudera by bus from major areas including Kyoto Station, Gion, and Shijo-Kawaramachi — along with stop information, fares, and tips for avoiding the crowds.

Why Getting to Kiyomizudera Can Be Confusing

Kiyomizudera sits at the foot of the Higashiyama hills, away from the subway lines and the main Hankyu and Keihan railway routes that connect Kyoto’s central areas. There is no single direct train route, which means the bus is your primary option.

Many first-time visitors get confused at Kyoto Station trying to figure out which bus to take, so knowing your route in advance makes a big difference.

Getting to Kiyomizudera from Kyoto Station by Bus

The Standard Route: City Bus Lines 206 & 100

From the bus terminal in front of Kyoto Station, take City Bus Line 206 (bound for Kitaoji Bus Terminal via Higashiyama-dori) or Line 100 (bound for Kiyomizudera, Gion, and Ginkakuji). Get off at the Gojo-zaka bus stop, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the Niomon Gate of Kiyomizudera.

• Travel time: approx. 15–20 minutes
• Fare: ¥230 for adults, ¥120 for children (IC cards accepted)
• Bus stop to alight: Gojo-zaka

Alternatively, you can get off at Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, which is also about a 10-minute walk to the temple grounds. This route takes you along Kiyomizuzaka, a slope lined with souvenir shops and matcha cafés — the classic Kyoto sightseeing experience.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds on Kiyomizuzaka, alight one stop earlier at Gojo-zaka and walk up via Chawanzaka (Kiyomizu-shindo). It’s a quieter alternative path using the same bus lines.

A Newer Option: Sightseeing Express Bus (EX100 & EX101)

Launched in June 2024, the Sightseeing Express Bus is worth knowing about. It stops only at major tourist destinations, making the journey faster than regular city buses.

• EX100: Serves Kiyomizudera, Gion, Heian Shrine, and Ginkakuji area
• EX101: Runs directly to Kiyomizudera only
• Fare: ¥500 per ride (Subway & Bus One-Day Pass accepted)
• Travel time: approx. 12 minutes from Kyoto Station
• Bus stop to alight: Gojo-zaka

The fare is higher than regular city buses, but it can be a smart choice during busy tourist seasons. If you already have a Subway & Bus One-Day Pass (¥1,100 for adults), you can use the express bus at no extra cost — making it great value if you’re taking multiple buses or trains that day.

Getting to Kiyomizudera from Gion / Shijo-Kawaramachi

If you’re starting from Hankyu Railway’s Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Railway’s Gion-Shijo Station, the following routes are convenient:

• City Bus Line 207 (bound for Tofukuji / Kujo Garage): alight at Kiyomizu-michi, then walk about 10 minutes
• Keihan Bus Lines 83, 85, 87, 88, etc.: alight at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, then walk about 10 minutes

If you’re staying in the Gion area, this lets you reach Kiyomizudera directly without going via Kyoto Station, saving travel time.

Walking from Keihan Railway’s Kiyomizu-Gojo Station

Kiyomizu-Gojo Station is often listed as the nearest station to Kiyomizudera, but the walk takes about 25 minutes. It’s an option for those who want to save on bus fare or enjoy exploring the streets around Gojo-zaka and Chawanzaka — but keep in mind the route involves uphill slopes, so wear comfortable shoes.

Parking & Getting There by Car

There is no parking lot within the Kiyomizudera grounds. There is a city-operated parking facility nearby (Tel: 075-561-4601), and several private short-stay lots are available around the base of the approach roads. However, these fill up quickly during tourist seasons, and the temple recommends using public transportation or taxis.

If you’re driving and want to avoid congestion charges and parking hassle, consider using the Kyoto City Park & Ride scheme — park your car at a designated lot on the outskirts and take public transit into the city center from there.

Getting to Kiyomizudera by Taxi

Taxis are a comfortable choice when time is a priority, or when traveling with a group or heavy luggage.

• From Kyoto Station: approx. 20 minutes, around ¥1,500
• If the road near Gojo-zaka is congested, ask to be dropped before the slope and walk the rest of the way

Note that taxis cannot drop passengers directly at the temple entrance. You’ll walk a short distance from the drop-off point along Kiyomizuzaka or the surrounding area.

Practical Tips for Using the Bus

Use the Subway & Bus One-Day Pass

If you plan to use public transportation several times in a day, the Subway & Bus One-Day Pass (¥1,100 for adults, ¥550 for children) is worth buying. It covers unlimited rides on city buses, Kyoto Bus lines, and the Sightseeing Express Bus. You can purchase it at ticket machines inside Kyoto Station, at information centers, or on board the bus.

Travel at Off-Peak Times

Buses heading toward Kiyomizudera get very crowded, especially on weekends and during cherry blossom and autumn foliage season. Consider visiting early in the morning (right after the temple opens at 6:00 AM) or in the late afternoon to find both buses and the temple itself less crowded.

Ask the “Omotenashi Concierge”

On weekends and during busy tourist periods, you may find staff in purple uniforms at the Kyoto Station bus terminal — the Kyoto City Bus “Omotenashi Concierge” team. They can help you figure out which bus to take, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure.

Access Method Comparison

Method	Travel Time	One-Way Fare	Best For
City Bus Lines 206 / 100	approx. 15–20 min	¥230	Most visitors; budget-conscious travelers
Sightseeing Express EX100 / EX101	approx. 12 min	¥500	Speed priority; avoiding crowds
Taxi	approx. 20 min	approx. ¥1,500	Groups; those with lots of luggage
Walking from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station	approx. 25 min	Free	Those who enjoy a leisurely stroll

Summary

Because Kiyomizudera has no nearby train station, the bus is the standard way to get there from Kyoto Station and the Gion / Shijo-Kawaramachi area. City Bus Lines 206 and 100 are the most affordable option at ¥230, while the Sightseeing Express Bus gets you there in about 12 minutes. To avoid crowds, try getting off at Gojo-zaka and taking the Chawanzaka route, or aim for early morning or late afternoon. With a little preparation, you can get from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizudera with ease.