Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Visit in Kyoto’s Most Famous Sightseeing Spot!
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) means “Pure Water Temple”, is one of the most old and historic temples of Japan.
This temple was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto. It was originally associated with the Hosso sect (one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism).
In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Temple Structure
The Symbolic Three-Storied Pagoda
After you climb the long stairs to uphill to the temple, you will be greeted by the sight of the vermillion-lacquered Nio-mon gate.
In the end of the stairs, there stands the 31 meter tall three-storied pagoda – One of the tallest pagodas in all of Japan.
It is easily visible from downtown Kyoto, which making it to be a symbolic of this temple, along with the temple’s Main Hall stage.
The main hall
Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall (which designated as a National Treasure), 13 meters above the hillside below. The temple’s wooden stage affords visitors an offering outstanding panoramic view of Kyoto with Sakura trees (in Spring ) and with maple trees (in Autumn) below
The path to the main hall
The main hall.
(During February 2017 until March 2020 it was undergoing rethatching construction)
The Inner Sanctuary
From the Main Hall, you can follow the path to the inner sanctuary, that was built directly above the Otowa Waterfall.
From the Inner Sanctuary stage, you can enjoy a view of the Main Hall above the valley filled with cherry blossoms and maple leaves (We went in the autumn, so we took the maple leaves).
You can also look out over all of Kyoto City, making this a recommended photography spot.
Otowa Waterfall
Otowa Waterfall is the reason this temple is called ” Pure Water Temple”.
The water are divided into three separate streams. Visitors can use the cups provided at the base of the waterfall to drink from them. Each of the streams is believed to have a different effect such as bringing success, love and longevity.
We actually saw many people who bring their water bottle and fill about 2L or 4 L from this water!
Below the main hall
The maple leaves and sakura trees that you see from the main hall, are also can be seen from below, before going up to the stairs.
The temple is surrounded in beautiful nature, with small lake.
In the autumn, the area is beautiful in the red colors of the maple leaves.
Special Night View
Kiyomizudera also has special illuminations during the autumn leaf season in peak season from mid to end of November.
The iconic view of the wooden temple sitting amongst a sea of lit up autumn leaves is beautiful, and walking under lit up maple leaves at night gives a much different atmosphere and experience than walking under them during the day.
•It is very crowded during the peak season, so be ready for this. But it defiantly worth it.
Around Kiyomizu Temple
The road leading to Kiyomizu Temple is ancient history road, and filled with a selection of shops and restaurants.
A souvenirs stores, from traditional to nowadays, can be found along the street.
Restaurants serve everything from simple bowls of soba or udon to more elaborate set meals.
Kiyomizu Temple is also a short walk from the photogenic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, two streets that lined with shops.
Information
Name:
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
清水寺
Hours:
6:00 – 18:00
(Except during peak of Sakura season & during peak of maple leaves & Summer, mid August – there a Special night view until 21:00 pm)
Fees:
￥400
Best time to see:
The peak of the autumn is from mid to end of November (May be different depend on the year)
Access:
There City Bus: Bus No.206 (bound for Kitaoji bus terminal via Higasihama-dor)i
or
Bus No.100 (bound for Ginkaku-ji via Kiyomizu-dera Gion)
Get off at Gojozaka stop and walk east 10 minutes.
Address:
1-294, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
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