Otowa Waterfall (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Otowa Waterfall?
What makes it 71% Kids-Friendly: School-age children like picking a stream and shrine challenges, plus snack stalls help, yet many stone steps, railings, and dense crowds demand constant adult supervision.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly ramp: A gentle ramp from the side gate lets younger kids or strollers reach the waterfall easily.
- Multiple rest spots: Benches by the waterfall tea house let you pause and enjoy views while children rest.
Challenges:
- Crowded viewing platform: The wooden stage narrows and fills quickly, making it tricky to keep an eye on kids.
- Uneven stone steps: Wear sturdy shoes as paths around the waterfall and shrine have steep, irregular steps.
What is Otowa Waterfall?
- A sacred cascade nestled at the base of Mount Otowa behind Kiyomizu-dera Temple, celebrated for its continuous year-round flow
- Three distinct streams emerging from the moss-covered rockface, each traditionally associated with longevity, love, and wisdom
- One of Japan’s top ten renowned springs, with crystal-clear water revered since the Heian period for its purity
What is so special about Otowa Waterfall for with kids?
- Pick one of the three streams and let each family member make a wish.
- Explore the wooden stage for city views while kids move safely.
- Turn the visit into a scavenger hunt to keep children interested.
- Try local snacks near the waterfall to recharge little explorers.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2-3 hours gives time to queue for water, explore the stage, and enjoy snacks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Otowa Waterfall
Drink from the three streams:
Use the long-handled ladles to sip from one stream for longevity, success, or love.
Tip: Let each child choose one stream and make a simple wish before drinking all at once.
Explore the wooden stage:
Walk out on the 13-meter-high deck for a panoramic city view.
Tip: Hold hands near the edge and point out landmarks to keep kids engaged.
Jishu Shrine love-stone walk:
Older kids can blindfold and try walking between two stones for good fortune.
Tip: Guide younger kids with a hand to keep them safe on the narrow path.
Scavenger-hunt adventure:
Spot Kannon statues, red gates, and water ladles around the grounds.
Tip: Print a simple picture list and award small treats for each find.
Snack break on the approach:
Buy local mochi or ice cream from stalls along the path.
Tip: Try flavors like matcha mochi; share snacks to taste multiple treats.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Otowa Waterfall
- Visit early: Arrive before 9AM to beat the crowds at the water ladles and get clearer photos.
- DIY scavenger hunt: Give kids a list of statues or gates to find to keep them engaged on the walk.
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 ...
When is the best time to visit Otowa Waterfall (Kyoto, Japan)?
In spring and autumn, come early for cherry blossoms or fall foliage behind the waterfall. In summer, bring a hat as water flow is stronger and can splash the viewing area.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult temple entrance (2×¥500) | JPY 1,000 |
| Child temple entrance (¥200) | JPY 200 |
| Snacks (ice cream/mochi) | JPY 1,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,400 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Otowa Waterfall
Address: 1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
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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
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