Even a short trip is enough! Instagram-worthy spots around Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto

Among the many tourist attractions in Kyoto, the Kiyomizu-dera area is one of the most popular.
Whether you're looking to hit the classic sights or you’re a student on a tight schedule, this is a must-see area!
Today, we’ll introduce some of the best photo-worthy spots near Kiyomizu-dera, all easily accessible from Rental Kimono Okamoto Main Store and Kiyomizu Store—perfect for visiting in a kimono!

◎ Recommended Route
Kiyomizu-dera → Sannenzaka → Yasaka Koshin-do
◎ If you have more time
Yasaka Koshin-do → Kodaiji Temple → Ninenzaka

Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994 under “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit landmark.
The temple grounds are home to several National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

The panoramic view from the famous Kiyomizu Stage is breathtaking—it's easy to see why so many people are drawn here.
The stage recently completed major renovations, offering picture-perfect views representative of Kyoto.

You can enjoy the beauty of each season here, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. It’s the perfect place to explore in a kimono!
From Rental Kimono Okamoto Main Store and Kiyomizu Store, you can walk to Kiyomizu-dera in just minutes.
We also have a past article dedicated to Kiyomizu-dera if you’d like more info!

The road leading to Kiyomizu-dera is lined with charming shops offering Kyoto sweets and local crafts.

Here are a few souvenir suggestions you can pick up along the way:

“Kyo Baum”
A fluffy and moist baumkuchen made with Uji matcha and Kyoto-produced soy milk.
Its two-tone green and white layers make it a vibrant Japanese sweet treat.
Enjoy the harmony of rich matcha bitterness and gentle sweetness.
The shop has a café with terrace seating on the 1st floor and an eat-in space on the 2nd floor.
You can enjoy sweets while strolling or relaxing inside.
📍 Kyo Baum Kiyomizu Store
229 Kiyomizu 2-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
⏰ 9:00–17:00 (hours may vary seasonally)

“Cha no Ka” (Matcha Langue de Chat)
These rich matcha cookies are made with carefully selected Uji tea leaves.
Each one is delicately baked and filled with original white chocolate—perfect with tea or coffee.
Exclusive packages and gift sets are available only at the Kiyomizuzaka store.
📍 Malebranche Kiyomizuzaka Store
256 Kiyomizu 2-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
⏰ 10:00–17:00 (hours may vary seasonally)

“KyoFRANCE”
A collaboration between MOF-winning French pastry chef Pascal Molines and top Japanese tea expert Yasuyuki Suden.
Made with fermented French butter and Kyoto’s finest Uji matcha “Shoraku.”
These elegant two-toned financiers represent a fusion of French and Kyoto flavors.
Fumon-an, where the shop is located, also has a dry landscape garden inspired by Kiyomizu Mountain and themed around “happiness.”
There’s a spiritual spot called “Hyakufuku Kuguri” where passing through is said to bring good fortune.
Look out for the hidden gem sweet “Ofukuhan,” named after the goddess of happiness, Ofuku.
📍 Fumon-an Main Store
246 Kiyomizu 2-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
⏰ 12:00–17:30

“Snoopy Chocolat”
A chocolate brand themed around the beloved Peanuts character, Snoopy.
Their “Bonbon Chocolat” features Japanese flavors like roasted green tea, wasabi, sake, and kinako.
The chocolates have adorable Snoopy illustrations and are great for gifts or photos.
The store also offers drinks to-go and has Instagram-worthy spots inside.
📍 Snoopy Chocolat Kiyomizuzaka Store
252 Kiyomizu 2-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
⏰ 9:30–17:30 (hours may vary)

“Kyo no Usuame-san” (Thin Candies & Konpeito)
Located at Marun on Sannenzaka, this shop sells colorful konpeito (sugar candies) and other Kyoto-themed treats like jam, local sake, and dressings.
The konpeito and delicate thin candies come in beautifully designed Chiyogami boxes—perfect as small gifts.
📍 Marun on Sannenzaka
317-1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
⏰ 10:00–18:00 (hours may vary)

Next to Shichimiya Honpo, you’ll find the Sannenzaka stairs. Head down this slope to continue your sightseeing adventure.

There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the street.
At Kiraku-an Sannenzaka, you’ll find croquettes, soft serve ice cream, and “Maiko-yaki,” a snack shaped like a Maiko.

They even have a photo booth inside, so you can snap fun pictures without going all the way to Shijo-Kawaramachi!

Continue walking, and you’ll spot Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji)—the next stop is right nearby.

Yasaka Koshin-do’s grounds are adorned with colorful cloth charms bearing people’s wishes—it's a popular photo spot you've likely seen on Instagram or in travel magazines.
Many visitors come to Kyoto just to see this vibrant, spiritual place.

After praying, don’t forget to take a photo with the colorful backdrop!

Just a 5-minute walk from Yasaka Koshin-do.
It was built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to honor his memory.
Kodaiji is known for its beautiful Zen gardens and nighttime light-ups with projection mapping that blends tradition with technology.
While Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest, Kodaiji has its own serene bamboo path—perfect for tranquil kimono photos.

The stone-paved street extending near Kodaiji is called Nene no Michi.
It offers a nostalgic, Kyoto-style atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

When returning toward Kiyomizu-dera, take a walk along Ninenzaka (Ninen-zaka).
Here, you’ll even find a Starbucks that blends perfectly with the historic architecture.

The approach to Kiyomizu-dera lined with pottery shops is known as Chawanzaka, famous for Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics.

Rental Kimono Okamoto’s main and textile stores are located here.

ICHINARU5, a dumpling store, is especially recommended on Chawanzaka.

Freshly baked Mitarashi dumplings, Warabimochi, and seasonal dumplings are popular here.

After renovation, the shop has a stylish white-themed interior that looks great in photos!
It’s the perfect place to take a break near your rental shop and capture some stylish, modern kimono photos.

If you have extra time, consider visiting nearby attractions like Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Gion (home of real Maiko), and Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, known for its spiritual power spots.
Kyoto is filled with historical landmarks, and the Kiyomizu-dera area is full of quintessential Kyoto charm.
Every street corner is a photo opportunity—it’s a delight for shutterbugs!
All of the spots introduced here are highly recommended and popular among our kimono rental customers.

Classic locations that are loved by many are always worth revisiting.
Wearing a kimono changes the atmosphere of your experience—and your photos—entirely.
Make special memories in Kyoto by strolling through the streets in a kimono from Rental Kimono Okamoto!

Author
Rental Kimono Okamoto – Main Store
546-8 Gojobashi Higashi 6-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0846
TEL: 075-532-1320
Rental Kimono Okamoto – Kiyomizu Store
237-1-1 Kiyomizu 2-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862
TEL: 075-525-7115
HP: www.okamoto-kimono.com
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