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National Park & Nature

Otowa Falls

📍 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera)
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★★★☆☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Kyoto
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
About 30 minutes
Address
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera)
Coordinates
34.9944, 135.7853

Introduction

The Otowa Falls (音羽の滝) pour from the cliff below Kiyomizu-dera's main hall in three streams — the very spring that gave the temple its name. The streams stand for academic success, love and matchmaking, and health and longevity; visitors ladle the water and drink from just one stream in a single draught to make a wish. Long known as the life-giving and golden water, they are the temple's most popular rite.

✨ Highlights

1
Three streams
Study, love, and health; pick just one to drink.
2
Ladle rite
Ladle the water and drink in one draught; keep it off your lips.
3
Source of the name
The 'clear water' spring behind the temple's name.
4
Below the hall
Reached by stairs down from the famous Kiyomizu stage.
5
Queue watch
10-30 minutes in peak season; early or late is best.
6
World Heritage
Set within Kiyomizu-dera, part of ancient Kyoto.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera)
→Time needed：About 30 minutes

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday6:00-18:00
Tuesday6:00-18:00
Wednesday6:00-18:00
Thursday6:00-18:00
Friday6:00-18:00
Saturday6:00-18:00
Sunday6:00-18:00

To 18:30 in Jul-Aug

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultJPY 500 (Kiyomizu-dera ticket)
ChildJPY 200 for pupils

Same for night viewings

Transportation

Bus

City Bus 206/100 to Gojo-zaka or 207 to Kiyomizu-michi, ~10-min walk

Note

~25-min walk from Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta.

💡 Tips

• Drink from one stream only — tradition says greed cancels the wish.
• Pour the ladle into your palm; keep it off your lips.
• Peak cherry and maple seasons mean 10-30 minute queues — go early.
• A Kiyomizu-dera ticket covers the falls; gates open at 6:00.
• Jishu Shrine, the three-storey pagoda and Okunoin lie on the same route.
• Steps below the stage get slippery after rain.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Otowa Falls?

Monday: 6:00-18:00; Tuesday: 6:00-18:00; Wednesday: 6:00-18:00; Thursday: 6:00-18:00; Friday: 6:00-18:00; Saturday: 6:00-18:00; Sunday: 6:00-18:00; To 18:30 in Jul-Aug

How much is the admission for Otowa Falls?

Adult: JPY 500 (Kiyomizu-dera ticket); Child: JPY 200 for pupils; Same for night viewings

Any practical tips for visiting Otowa Falls?

Drink from one stream only — tradition says greed cancels the wish. Pour the ladle into your palm; keep it off your lips.

How long should I spend at Otowa Falls?

A typical visit takes About 30 minutes.

How do I get to Otowa Falls?

Bus: City Bus 206/100 to Gojo-zaka or 207 to Kiyomizu-michi, ~10-min walk