Otowa Waterfall (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Otowa Waterfall?
Partners can sip the “love” stream, visit nearby Jishu Shrine, and pose on the viewing deck for romantic shots; queues and little privacy during peak seasons are the main drawbacks.
Positives:
- Cultural Bonding: Shared rituals at the waterfall and shrine create lasting couple memories.
- Easy Access: City buses 100 or 206 stop at Gojo-zaka, a 5-minute uphill walk to the temple.
Challenges:
- Crowd Peak: Ladles often queue midday; expect waits at peak hours.
- Steep Walks: Stone steps and narrow paths can feel tiring, especially when crowded.
What is so special about Otowa Waterfall for couple trip?
- Sip from three sacred streams for love and success
- Test your bond on the Jishu Shrine blindfolded stone walk
- Capture sunrise views from the 13 m-high main stage
- Collect matching marriage omamori as romantic souvenirs
- Enjoy seasonal night illuminations with fewer crowds
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can complete the water ritual, love-stone walk, and charm shopping at a relaxed pace.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Otowa Waterfall
Drink from Otowa Waterfall:
Use long-handled ladles to sip from each of the three streams, said to grant love, success, or longevity.
Tip: Avoid mixing water from different streams to maintain each blessing.
Walk between Jishu Shrine Love Stones:
Blindfold yourself and step between two stones to pray for stronger love luck.
Tip: Hold hands for support and focus on your partner’s guidance.
Photograph Kyoto from the main stage:
Climb the 13-meter-high veranda for panoramic city views.
Tip: Visit before 9 AM to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light.
Purchase a marriage good-luck charm:
Choose a heart-themed omamori at the shrine shop for ¥500.
Tip: Inspect designs early; popular styles sell out by midday.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Marriage omamori | JPY 500 |
| Tea or snack purchase | JPY 300 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,800 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Otowa Waterfall?
In spring and autumn, join night illuminations after 8 PM for lit-up temple views with fewer visitors. During cherry blossom season, arrive at dawn to see blooms framing the waterfall.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Otowa Waterfall
- Early Start: Arrive before 9 AM to beat lines at the waterfall ladles.
- Weekday Visit: Choose a weekday to avoid weekend tour groups.
Map of Otowa Waterfall
Address: 1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
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Reviews of Otowa Waterfall
Nathan Fan
Very very very very very crowded... The stalls are all very pretty on the walk up and the area is very well maintained. The views are worth the walk and wait but due to how the tourists act, it's not the greatest place to visit (I'd much prefer a quite off the side Shrine to visit) So many people crowd the bottom, top and sides of the stairs to take photos causing massive congestion for everyone...
Kay S.
It is said that you will get a specific trait if you drink from one of the streams (more than one just makes you greedy) They have a UV radiation for the drinking devices that should kill anything undesirable. The water tasted weird. Maybe something in there that shouldn't be, not sure. If I get sick I will update this message 🤓 If not you should be good to go!
Supakorn Jaroenwongtrakoon
Kiyomizu-dera Temple originates from Otowa Waterfall and takes its name from the pureness of the waters. The clear, gushing waters have long been called “Konjiki-sui” (golden water) or “Enmei-sui” (life-prolonging water) and are suitable for use in purification. Visitors catch each of the three streams of pure water with ladles and pray for purification of their six senses and to make their wishes...
Acidicly
‼️ Awful, it’s jam packed with tourists who don’t walk annd just gawk. elbow to elbow flighting to get through… the energy is gone. It’s no longer spiritual with such noise from “tour groups, guides and entire schools” I would stay away from this one as we regretted it! Keep walking into the woods up ahead that’s much nicer 👌 pic is of woods ahead, it’s quiet and tranquil.
Ryan L
A really fun experience to try while you’re at the temple! This is a special ritual believed to bring good fortune in different areas of your life. As you join the queue (~10 minutes), you'll notice the three separate trickling streams that flow from the waterfall, each one representing a different aspect of life's blessings. We were told fortune to receive are: left stream for achievements with ...
About Otowa Waterfall
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-551-1234See available options
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