Kiyomizu-dera (Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera)
294 1-chome, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
phone : 075-551-1234
Official site
Kiyomizu-dera is located in the eastern Kyoto, and one of the best known sights of the city. It belongs to the Kita-hosso sect of Buddhism.
It originated in 778 when the monk Enchin enshrined an image of Kannon in a thatched hut on mountain overlooking the Otawa-no-taki Falls. In 780, the general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro contributed the main hall of a temple
and enshrined Senju-Kannon (thousand-armed Kanzeon-Bosatsu). Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and Enchin reconstructed the main hall on a large scale
in 798, and they enshrined Jizo-Bosatsu and Bishamon-ten beside Senju-Kannon.
Kiyomizu-dera was destroyed by fire repeatedly, however, it was rebuilt on each occasion. Many of the present buildings were reconstructed in 1631-1633 by Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Visitors have an excellent view of the hills from the stage, especially in spring and autumn. The main hall and stage are designated as National Treasures, while the other 15 buildings of the temple are Important Cultural Properties.
Kiyomizu no butai (the stage)
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The stage or butai, built off the main hall, is a vast veranda supported by 139 of pillars which juts out over the cliff and offers impressive views of the city of Kyoto.
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The Hon-do (the main hall)
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The Hon-do is divided into three sections, Gejin (the front hall), Naijin (the inner hall) and Nainaijin (the most inner hall). The principal image enshrined here is Kiyomizu style eleven-headed, thousand-armed Kanzeon-Bosatsu. Jizo-Bosatsu and Bishamon-ten are enshrined beside the principal image.
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Otowa-no-taki (Otowa falls)
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The name Kiyomizu (clear water) originated in three waterfalls. Drinking the water is said to receive blessings from the deity of the tmple.
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Index Page
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Open
6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission fee
Adult 300yen / Child 200yen
Special admission fee at night-time (spring / autumn) 400yen
Parking
No parking lot
Access (From Kyoto Station)
Kyoto City Bus :10 min. walk from Gojo-zaka Stop
Kyoto bus :10 min. walk from Higashiyama-Gojo Stop
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A view of the Hon-do from Okuno-in
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