I can still remember being deeply impressed by the grandeur of Kiyomizu-dera Temple the first time I walked out onto the expanse of the wooden veranda, or Stage. Massive pillars from ancient trees support the cypress bark roof of the main hall to the left. The cypress floor planks are worn shiny from the feet of over 4 million visitors a year.
The veranda is suspended 12 meters above the valley floor on notched, nail-less timbers that hold it on the edge of a cliff on the side of Otowa Mountain. From the Stage, you can see a mountainside covered with “sakura” cherry blossoms in the spring, a sea of brilliant red and gold maple leaves in autumn, or beautiful green mountain scenery the rest of the year. To the west, you can watch the sunset behind Kyoto, with Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Station in the foreground.
Pure Water Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the “Pure Water Temple”, was named for the clear water flowing from the Otowa Waterfall. It was initially established in 778 by the Hosso Buddhist sect to house a statue of the Kannon Bodhisattva. Visitors come from all over the world to worship the eleven headed, thousand armed Kannon Bodhisattva, housed inside the main hall.
Kiyomizu-dera is a magnificent sight and one of Japan’s most impressive examples of wooden temple architecture. In 1994, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, along with 16 other sites in Kyoto.
Wars, feuds, and smoldering timbers
Kiyomizu-dera has had a rough history. Several times in the past 1,200 years, it has been destroyed by fire during wars and feuds. Each time it has been rebuilt.
Most of the current building on the temple grounds were rebuilt in the early 1600s by a (Tokawa Shogun, Iemitsu). Since then, the many structures on the site have been well maintained, and are in impeccable condition. 15 of the structures are national treasures.
These structures include the Okunoin Hall, a smaller version of the main hall and stage, the Amida Buddha Hall, Zuigudo Hall, Deva Gate, West Gate, and the Bell Tower.
Finding Romance
Jishu-jinja shrine is known as the matchmaking shrine. It is also located on the temple grounds. Many people visit here to help them find a romantic partner.
In front to the shrine are two special stones, 18 meters apart. Legend says that if a person can walk from one stone to the other with their eyes closed, without any help, they will find a partner. If they need assistance finding the other stone, they will also need assistance finding their love match. Be sure to watch out for people walking blindly across the shrine yard when you stop to take pictures.
Kiyomizudera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, and all of Japan. It is always worth a return visit to see it in the color and light of a different season.
Getting to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
By Bus
From JR Kyoto Station (10 minutes)
Kyoto City Bus
#206 to Higasihama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal
#100 to Kiyomizu-dera Gion/Ginkaku-ji
Gojozaka Bus Stop or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
10-minute walk from the bus stop
Kyoto Bus (Saturdays and holidays only)
#18 to Ohara
Higashiyama Gojo bus stop
10-minute walk from the bus stop
From Hankyu Line Shijo-Kawaramachi Station (6 minutes) and Keihan Line Gion Shijo Station
Kyoto City Bus
Bus #207 to Tofukuji/Kujo Shako
Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
10-minute walk from the bus stop
Keihan Bus
#83, 85, 87, 88
Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop or Gojozaka Bus Stop
10-minute walk from the bus stop
From Keihan Line Shichijo Station
Kyoto City Bus
#206 to Higasihama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal
#100 to Kiyomizu-dera Gion/Ginkaku-ji
Gojozaka Bus Stop
10-minute walk from the bus stop
On Foot
From Keihan Line Kiyomizu Gojo Station
25-minute walk
Nearest parking: 10-minute walk
Hours
6:00 – 17:30/18:00/18:30
Note: Closing times vary with the seasons. There are also special night openings. See the temple website link, below, for dates and times.
Open all year
Fees
Adults: 300 yen
Elementary and Junior High School Students: 200 yen
Address
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 603-8047
Telephone: 075-551-1234
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