Kiyomizu-zaka Slope

Kiyomizu-zaka is an approximately 1 km slope leading from the Kiyomizumichi bus stop toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Along both sides of the gentle incline, shops selling Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics and other souvenirs line the street, and there are also temples such as the Kuya Shonin Mausoleum, Raigo-in, and Shinpuku-ji. At the corner where the road branches toward Sannenzaka stands Shichimiya Honpo, which is said to have begun when ascetics training at Kiyomizu-dera’s Otowa Waterfall warmed themselves with mustard-infused hot water. Continuing uphill, you will find Junsei, famous for yudofu tofu hot pot, tucked into a slightly recessed alley. Farther up, popular Kyoto souvenir shops such as Daiyasu pickles, Nishiri, and Shogoin Yatsuhashi line the street, with lively calls to customers. After passing through this bustle, Kiyomizu-dera’s West Gate and three-story pagoda come into view above the stone steps. As the approach to one of Kyoto’s most popular temples, the slope is crowded with visitors year-round regardless of season. Kiyomizu-zaka begins immediately after getting off at the Kiyomizumichi bus stop. If you head from mid-slope toward Sannenzaka, major attractions such as Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine are also close by, making this a highly popular sightseeing area.