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Photo locations · Kyoto · Japan

Kiyomizu-dera Terrace: sunset photography forecast

Kiyomizu-dera’s terrace looks across a wooded hillside toward Kyoto, with the pagoda and city changing position as you move through the temple route. It is a public temple visit first and a tripod location second.

Will tonight's sunset be worth it?

Kiyomizu-dera Terrace · forecast for sunset

Sunset: Very Good

Sun may be hidden

18:11

in 1h 10m, local time

Forecasts have different ratings: 5/5 and 2/5

Exactly at sunset: Exceptional
Best-light moment: Exceptional, 18:18
Second forecast: Fair

Why: Light corridor is open (27% blocking cloud out to 350 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.

2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 kmNear-ground relative humidity16% cover — too thin to draw as cloud19% cover — too thin to draw as cloud6% cover — too thin to draw as cloud19% cover — too thin to draw as cloud12% cover — too thin to draw as cloud12% cover — too thin to draw as cloud12% cover — too thin to draw as cloud14% cover — too thin to draw as cloud17% cover — too thin to draw as cloud13% cover — too thin to draw as cloudConnected cloud layer · 34–34% cover · 10–10% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 0–64% cover · 10–65% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 52–61% cover · 45–45% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 37–37% cover · 45–45% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 64–64% cover · 10–10% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 52–61% cover · 45–45% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 61–61% cover · 10–10% visual uncertaintylow cloud · 34% reported, 19% resolved on a pressure surface — 15% is somewhere between 0.1 and 3 kmmid cloud · 28% reported, 13% resolved on a pressure surface — 15% is somewhere between 3 and 8 kmmid cloud · 37% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 37% is somewhere between 3 and 8 kmmid cloud · 28% reported, 3% resolved on a pressure surface — 25% is somewhere between 3 and 8 km-5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light-5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light0 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light0 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light20 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light50 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light100 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light100 km · the model says the unresolved mid cloud may catch red light · exact underside height unknown within 3–8 km150 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light150 km · the model says the unresolved mid cloud may catch red light · exact underside height unknown within 3–8 km200 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light300 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light300 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light-5You · 052050100150200300350

The sky along today's light path — cloud density by altitude, from 5 km behind you to 350 km toward the sun. Rendered by the live app.

Current sunset outlook for Kiyomizu-dera Terrace: Very Good (4/5). Light corridor is open (27% blocking cloud out to 350 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.

  • • Light corridor is open (27% blocking cloud out to 350 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.
  • • Mid-level cloud canvas over you (28%) — plenty of cloud surface.
  • • Moderate aerosol load (AOD 0.29) — good scattering for saturated reds.
  • • The sun may drop behind cloud near the horizon — the disc could come and go.

Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunset · create a free account and run a full forecast for a place you choose — sunrise or sunset, free, before any card.

The orange line runs toward tonight's sunset, sampled out to 350 km.Open in Google Maps ↗

Today's sky is already decided.

Find out what it decided — before you pack the tripod.

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For photographers: shooting Kiyomizu-dera Terrace

Best months

Late March to early April for blossom and mid-to-late November for autumn colour. Seasonal evening illuminations create the rare blue-hour opportunity.

Suggested focal lengths

24–70 mm for terrace and hillside; 70–200 mm for pagoda, city and layered foliage.

Composition

Use the temple architecture to frame rather than trying to show the entire crowd. Longer focal lengths isolate the pagoda among blossom or maple leaves.

Recommended arrival

Be at the entrance before opening for normal morning access. For special evening openings, arrive well before the admission period and expect queues.

Access planning

Opening hours and special illuminations are seasonal. Tripods may be impractical or restricted; follow staff instructions and keep visitor routes open.

Parking: No convenient temple parking; use public transport or a taxi to the lower Higashiyama area.

Approach: A 15–25 minute uphill walk through busy streets from the nearest bus stops, followed by the temple route.

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