寛永寺 清水観音堂
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Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji

4.2
·1k reviews·台東区, Japan

A historic Buddhist temple in Ueno Park, offering a tranquil escape with a rich past and a unique Moon Pine framing its path.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Quieter, more serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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寛永寺 清水観音堂

Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji

Best Time

Early mornings

Quieter, more serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Buddhist temple in Ueno Park, offering a tranquil escape with a rich past and a unique Moon Pine framing its path.

4.2
(1k reviews)

"This was the first shrine we visited, the oldest in Japan, built in 1632. Almost 400 years ago!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Early Bird Gets the Peace

Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the temple's tranquil ambiance .

📜 Goshuin: Manage Expectations

While available, some visitors find the goshuin rushed and poorly done. Inspect before buying .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Moon Pine

The Moon Pine

Path to Shinobazu Pond

A beautifully restored pine tree framing the path, offering a picturesque view towards the pond.

Ueno Park's Oldest Temple

Ueno Park's Oldest Temple

Ueno Park

Experience nearly 400 years of history in this revered Buddhist worship center.

Battle of Ueno Painting

Battle of Ueno Painting

Temple Interior

A historical painting from 1878 depicting a significant local battle, adding depth to the temple's past.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

While Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji is in Ueno Park, it's often less crowded than its pond-surrounded neighbors. For the most tranquil experience, aim for early mornings to soak in the historic atmosphere and smell of old wood without the hustle.Reddit

Goshuin Notebooks: A Collector's Caution

This temple offers goshuin (temple stamps), a popular souvenir. However, some visitors report rushed and poorly executed calligraphy, potentially disappointing collectors. Consider this before purchasing.Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Quieter, more serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#spearofbenkei #kyoto #temple #kiyomizudera
@seal_cub_clubbing_club
27.3K likes • 1.3M views

🎯 Early Bird Gets the Peace

Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the temple's tranquil ambiance.Reddit

📜 Goshuin: Manage Expectations

While available, some visitors find the goshuin rushed and poorly done. Inspect before buying.Reddit

Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) / 清水寺 The illumination of Kiyomizu-dera Temple at night is truly beautiful🥰🤩🍁 Please Share🥰😊🙏 Please follow 👉@japan_walker_ #japan #japantravel #japantrip #anime #animejapan #japananime #japan🇯🇵 #traveljapan #tripjapan #TikTok1mvp #kyoto #kiyomizu #kiyomizudera #kyotojapan #kyototravel #kyototrip #kyototemple #kyotogram #kyotosightseeing #japon #japones #japonesa #autu...
@japan_walker_
22.5K likes • 203.9K views
A Sunday walk in Ueno Park on a summer day. ⛩ • • • • • #Temple #KiyomizuKannondoTemple #Ueno #UenoPark #Uenokoen #Tokyo #Japan #Park #City #Travel #Traveller #Adventure #Holiday #Summer #Cityscape #Instagram #Voyaged #Asia #Photo #Photography #PhotoOfTheDay #PicOfTheDay
loris_farago
89 likes • 0 views

🌳 Ueno Park Gem

Located within Ueno Park, it's a peaceful spot amidst a larger, popular attraction.Reddit

👃 Savor the Scent

The interior is noted for its distinct smell of old wood, adding to the historic feel.Reddit

Kyomizu Kannon Do, Tokyo, Japan, Winter 2020. This is a Buddhist temple inside Ueno park. In time, I think I saw a lot of this vast park but I always missed this spot... Another demonstration that what catches your eye changes constantly over time. #discovertokyo #tokyoday #japanlife #explorejapan #japanesepark #japantrip #tokyotemple #visitjapan #japanesetemple #japanesereligion #tokyocameraclub ...
tradesofalljack
47 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Early Bird Gets the Peace

Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the temple's tranquil ambiance.Reddit

📜 Goshuin: Manage Expectations

While available, some visitors find the goshuin rushed and poorly done. Inspect before buying.Reddit

🌳 Ueno Park Gem

Located within Ueno Park, it's a peaceful spot amidst a larger, popular attraction.Reddit

👃 Savor the Scent

The interior is noted for its distinct smell of old wood, adding to the historic feel.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji is appreciated for its historical significance and tranquil setting within Ueno Park, offering a glimpse into Japan's past with its old wood interior and the picturesque Moon Pine. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment with the quality and speed of the goshuin service, finding it rushed and poorly executed.

"Nice temple, and the view through the circular tree is very cool. They offer goshuin. It was a little quieter than the nearby temple surrounded by ponds, but it's a little less impressive."

Hercules Wyvern

"This was the first shrine we visited, the oldest in Japan, built in 1632. Almost 400 years ago! I was captivated by its dark, quiet interior, with a noticeable smell of old wood. One of the walls had a painting from 1878 depicting the Battle of Ueno, which took place ten years earlier in the same place.

Here we also got our first goshuinchō, which are notebooks for collecting stamps (goshuin) from different temples and shrines.

Outside, the The Moon Pine, restored in 2012, frames the path to Shinobazu Pond."

Ariel Cabrera Foix

"Great twmple place currently under renovation but you can still take photo"

Cyril BECKER

What People Like

Historic atmosphere
Peaceful Ueno Park location
Moon Pine view

What People Dislike

Rushed goshuin service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji is located within Ueno Park, which is easily accessible. The nearest station is Ueno Station, served by JR lines and Tokyo Metro. From the station, it's a short walk into the park and to the temple.Reddit

Ueno Park is a large public space with various attractions. While the temple itself is relatively easy to find, volunteers who speak multiple languages are available to assist visitors if needed.Reddit

Ueno Station is a major hub, offering access via JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and more. This makes it very convenient to reach from various parts of Tokyo.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji itself is generally free, as it's a temple within a public park. However, specific areas or events might have separate admission fees, though this is uncommon for the main temple grounds.

As it's located within Ueno Park, the temple grounds are typically accessible during park hours, which are generally from early morning until late evening. Specific temple building hours might vary, but the exterior and surrounding area are usually open.

Ueno Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore the grounds, including the areas around Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji.

Yes, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji offers goshuin. However, be aware that some visitors have reported the calligraphy to be rushed and of lower quality compared to other temples.Reddit

While some reviews mention ongoing renovations, it's often still possible to visit and take photos. It's advisable to check for any specific closure notices closer to your visit date.

📸 📸 Photography

The Moon Pine, which frames the path to Shinobazu Pond, is a popular and picturesque spot. The temple's historic architecture and the surrounding tranquil landscaping also offer great photographic opportunities.

Photography rules can vary at temples. While exterior shots are generally fine, it's best to look for signage or ask temple staff regarding photography inside the main temple buildings to ensure you're following their guidelines.

You can certainly take photos of your goshuin, but be mindful of the temple's policies on photography within the premises. Some visitors have shared photos of their goshuin online, highlighting the quality concerns.Reddit

🎫 📜 Goshuin & Souvenirs

Goshuin are typically available from a designated counter or office within the temple grounds. Look for signs indicating where to purchase these temple stamps.

A goshuin notebook (goshuinchō) is a special book where visitors collect unique stamps and calligraphy from different temples and shrines across Japan. It's a popular way to commemorate a pilgrimage or visit.Reddit

While the goshuin is a notable item, temples often sell other small souvenirs like amulets (omamori) or charms. It's worth checking if there's a small shop or stall on site.

Reviews suggest that the goshuin calligraphy here can be rushed and may not meet the expectations of serious collectors. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the quality.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji, situated within the expansive Ueno Park, offers a peaceful respite for families. While the temple itself might be more about quiet contemplation, the surrounding park provides ample space for children to explore and play. The historical aspect, like the Battle of Ueno painting, could be an interesting, albeit brief, point of discussion for older children interested in history.Reddit

Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the peak crowds that can make navigating with young children more challenging. The Moon Pine is also a visually appealing element that might capture a child's attention. Remember that the primary focus here is on the temple's historical and spiritual significance, so managing expectations for active entertainment is key.

🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji offers a quiet corner to delve into Japan's past. The temple's age, dating back to 1632, and its location within Ueno Park, a site of historical battles, provide a rich context for exploration.Reddit The interior's distinct smell of old wood and the presence of historical paintings offer an authentic sensory experience.

Take your time to absorb the atmosphere, perhaps reflecting on the centuries of worship that have taken place here. The opportunity to collect a goshuin, even with the noted quality concerns, can still be a meaningful part of a solo journey, serving as a tangible reminder of your visit.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji holds a significant place in Tokyo's history, being one of the oldest temples in the area, built in 1632.Reddit Its location within Ueno Park, a site of historical events like the Battle of Ueno, adds another layer to its narrative. The temple's interior, with its noticeable smell of old wood, offers a tangible connection to centuries past, and the presence of a painting from 1878 depicting the Battle of Ueno further immerses visitors in the region's heritage.Reddit

This temple is a testament to the enduring presence of Buddhism in Japan, offering a space for worship and reflection. Despite being a part of the bustling Ueno Park, it retains an atmosphere of reverence. The careful restoration of elements like the Moon Pine in 2012 shows a commitment to preserving its beauty and historical significance for future generations.

The Goshuin Experience: A Collector's Dilemma

For many visitors, collecting goshuin (temple stamps) is a cherished part of their Japanese temple and shrine visits. Kiyomizu Kannon-do Kaneiji offers this service, allowing you to get a unique stamp and calligraphy in your goshuin notebook.Reddit These notebooks serve as a personal record of your travels and a beautiful keepsake.

However, it's important to be aware of mixed reviews regarding the goshuin service here. Some travelers have reported that the process can feel rushed, with the calligraphy being less meticulous than expected, leading to disappointment for collectors who value the artistry. While the temple is a place of worship and historical interest, the goshuin experience might not be its strongest point for enthusiasts.Reddit

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