Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is Kyoto’s most popular tourist attraction

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Kiyomizu-dera is a Kannon temple where the goddess Kannon is worshipped. Kiyomizu-dera has a particularly long history among the temples of Kyoto and it is a registered World Heritage site. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.
Business Hours
Saturday ( 6:0 AM ~ 5:30 PM )
Sunday ( 6:0 AM ~ 5:30 PM )
Weekdays ( 6:0 AM ~ 5:30 PM )
Price
Adult: 300 JPY
Children: 200 JPY
Address
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone
(075) 551-1234

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About

Enjoy the National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera was constructed on Mt. Kiyomizu (Mt. Otowa). The main temple at Kiyomizu-dera, which is also referred to as the “Kiyomizu-dera stage,” was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633. The main temple building, constructed early in the Edo period, is a National Treasure. It is supported by more than 100 keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) trees and not a single nail is used. Jojuin, in the northern area of the temple grounds, features the Moon Garden, which is a borrowed-scenery garden that has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The garden lanterns, eboshi stones, and the contrast with the pond in this pleasure garden are beautiful. Illumination events are sometimes held at night.

Enjoy the mystical energy of Kiyomizu-dera

Spring water gushes out from Mt. Kiyomizu (Mt. Otowa) along the side past the main temple. This is known as the Otowa Waterfall, and it is the origin of the name Kiyomizu-dera (which means “clear water temple”). This water is said to bring good luck, so tourists can always be seen lining up to take a drink. The spring water, which is available for purchase, is also said to bestow a long life. Tourists are often seen putting their hands together in prayer for safe childbirth at Koyasu Pagoda, which is an Important Cultural Property, and at the statue of Daikokuten on the west side of the main temple, which is said to bring good luck. Jishu-jinja, a shrine to finding love that adjoins Kiyomizu-dera, is a popular tourist attraction with two guardian stones. It is said that if you can walk from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, you will find love. Jishu-jinja is a very popular tourist attraction with young people and couples.

Events held throughout the year at Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera has many highlights, such as the main temple building, which is a National Treasure, and other buildings that are Important Cultural Properties. Events are also held throughout the year. Kiyomizu-dera is open at night from spring through fall. The famous Seiryu-e event is also held, which is based on a story about a dragon (an incarnation of the goddess Kannon) that comes to drink the waters at Otowa. Many tourists come to this event, where the dragon can be seen parading around the temple grounds.

Leisurely shopping at Kiyomizu-zaka

Approximately 30 stores line the Kiyomisu-zaka road that leads up to Kiyomizu-dera. They sell souvenirs from Kyoto, such as Japanese sweets that are unique to Kyoto, Japanese tea, and folding fans. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, it’s fun to take a stroll through Kiyomizu-zaka.

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Reviews

7 years ago
A great view and a Majestic Building!
Kiyomizu-dera was on my must see places list for Kyoto. Why? The temple has a stunning view over Kyoto and is located near Gion. Also, the shopping street leading up to the temple has so many shops where you can buy lots of souvenir for friends and family. The place though, is very touristy, so be prepared for that. If you keep walking the path and visit the many shrines, you will also find a love stone that tells you if you can walk to it from a certain distance with your eyes closed you will find your perfect love! Luckily I made it, and yes I did find him!
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8 years ago
Probably the most interesting temple in Japan
Kiyomizu-dera is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the seventeen Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. There are some very interesting things to do here. One of them is walking from one sacred stone to the other with your eyes closed. If you succeed, then you will be lucky in love. Another thing, which is actually prohibited now, is the chance to jump from a 13 meter high stage. Survival would mean your wish would be granted. This tradition happened in the Edo period. The survival rate then was 85.4%. The main reason I came here though was to experience the ‘womb’ of Daizuigu Bosatsu. This occurs not in the main temple building, but the smaller Tainai-meguri Hall. It costs me ¥ 100 to enter. I take off my shoes and walk down a few steps, all the time holding onto the hand rail made of prayer beads. Beyond the steps I take a right turn and enter a room of complete darkness. Daizuigu Bosatsu is a female Bodhisattva who has the power to grant any human wish. I stumble alone through the maze of corridors, all the while engulfed in the blackness. Complete darkness like I have never seen before. It is somewhat peaceful, but at the same time horrifying. After a few minutes of carefully walking, I see a light in the distance. A glowing stone. It is at this stone that I make a wish. It is not everyday you get to go into the depths of a temple, but I highly recommend the experience. One of the highlights from my time in Kyoto, and my favourite temple in Japan.
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