Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple, famous for the expression "the stage at Kiyomizu," was opened in 778 by the monk Jonin who was visiting this region. It was constructed in 798 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. With its halls, towers, and other buildings standing on the mountainside of Mt. Otowa, most of the current ones you see were rebuilt in 1633.
Going through the Niomon (gate) painted in a bright vermilion color standing tall at the top of the Kiyomizu-zaka (Kiyomizu hill), you will pass by a belfry as well as such structures as the three-story pagoda enshrining the Dainichi-Nyorai, Kyodo (Buddhist sutras are kept here), and Kaizando (hall). After paying your admission fee, you will finally see the Hondo (main hall). Here, the Kannon (Deity of Mercy) statue with eleven faces and one-thousand arms and eyes is enshrined which is the hidden Buddhist image considered as the principal image of the temple. To the south of this hall is the projecting "stage at Kiyomizu." This stage, which measures approximately 8 meters in depth, was built by setting up pillars on a cliff and poles were pierced through the pillars to hold them together. From here, straight ahead stands the Koan-to (tower) while a sweeping view of the city of Kyoto is to the right. Following the indicated route after leaving the Hondo, you will find such buildings as the Amida-do and Okuno-ine. If you gaze at the Hondo from the Okuno-in, its stage, although not so big in size, offers you a wonderful view including both the cityscape and the Hondo's stage. After leaving the Okuno-in, following the path, and going down the hill, you will see the Otowa Falls sending its water in three streams. This is where many visitors gather to drink the fresh water using a ladle.
Since the old days, the temple has been known for its beautiful cherry blossoms and crimson foliage. It is illuminated during the seasons of spring and autumn, allowing special nighttime visits. The sixteenth holy Kannon site of the 33 in western Japan, the temple is crowded all year long with many worshippers.

When going to the Kiyomizu Temple, you either take the Kiyomizu-zaka or the Kiyomizu-shinmichi. On both sides of the Kiyomizu-zaka stand souvenir stores popular among tourists while along the Kiyomizu-shinmichi, also called "Chawan-zaka (literally, "rice bowl hill"), you will find many stores selling Kiyomizu-yaki and other chinaware. Three hills join together halfway up the Kiyomizu-zaka and one of them called Sannei-zaka that starts from the north is a beautiful stone-paved hill that extends further north all the way to Ninen-zaka. Walking along this route is sure to offer you a nice stroll with the sight of the Yasaka-no-to (tower) along the way.