Kiyomizudera

Classic Kyoto - but go early

Kiyomizudera is a must-visit for many people on a trip to Kyoto, and I'm no different. It was one of the first places I visited when I stayed in the city for the first time, and what made my trip there so enjoyable was visiting *right* as they opened. This temple does have operating hours (6am until 6pm) and if you can get there right at 6am it's such a serene, memorable experience. I think that's how the temple should be enjoyed, as I think as the crowds roll in the spirituality subsides. My five star rating is based on the 6am visit I made there some years ago...I don't feel that I'd rate it the same if I was there with tons of people.