Kiyomizu-dera

Opens at six and is nearly empty at that hour; commenter suggests going then as an early-morning stop.

Expects heavy crowds on the approach and at the temple if visiting around 10am.

Says going before 8am avoids most of the crowds at Kiyomizu-dera.

Acknowledges constant crowds, yet still finds it fun.

The gate-front view is decent, especially at sunset, though timed opening limits walking inside.

Visiting at 6 AM felt magical, with plenty of areas to themselves and few other visitors.

Part of a walking day the commenter enjoyed, beginning at this temple.

Says it is worth the hype.

Finds Kiyomizu-dera near sunset a nightmare, with crowds stopping for photos; calls that the worst time.

Recommends it for its elevated setting, wooden architecture, views, and anime-style photo spots that set it apart.

Autumn crowds at Kiyomizu-dera are heavy, so arriving early is essential.

Recommends focusing time here, alongside Higashiyama Jisho-ji and Gion.

Suggests visiting Kiyomizudera on the Day 3 evening, since the route already ends there.

Named with Kinkakuji as one of Kyoto's attractions tied to its historic importance.

Says the street stretch linking this temple with Yasaka shrine is scenic but now very crowded.

Expects it to be about as packed as Fushimi, especially during mid-November's foliage peak.

Visited late afternoon or evening as part of a rewarding one-day Kyoto plan.

Suggests going to Kiyomizu after dinner, when it is typically quieter than during the day.

Finds Kiyomizu-dera very crowded, but says the stage and pagoda views past the gate made it worth it.

Found Kiyomizu overrated and says they would skip it if they could repeat the trip.

Arriving among the first visitors at 6am feels very different from the usual visit.

Shares that a cherry blossom visit there was already crowded before tourism reopened; expects it busier now.