Kiyomizudera, Kyoto 
View from Kiyomizudera's entrance. Photo
Christopher Buchanan.
Entrance gate of Kiyomizudera. Photo
Christopher Buchanan.
A fine view over Kyoto from the wooden terrace. Photo
solution 63.
Kiyomizudera and its waterfalls from above. Photo
Elia Diodati.
Visitors drink from the sacred water of Kiyomizudera, which is believed
to bring health and good fortune. Photo
Christopher Buchanan.
Shopping street leading up to Kiyomizudera. Photo
royalt.
Location map and aerial view of Kiyomizudera. For a larger interactive view, see our Kyoto Map.
One of Japan's most popular temples, Kiyomizudera (清水寺; also spelled Kiyomizu-dera; "Pure Water Temple") was founded in 780 AD and still functions as a temple associated with the Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism.
History
Although Kiyomizudera was founded in 780 AD, the present temple complex was rebuilt in 1633 by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. Kiyomizudera's architecture was subsequently imitated by other temples all over Japan and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
What to See
Kiyomizudera occupies an excellent location on a steep hill in eastern Kyoto. The quaint street leading up to the temple is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and ryokan (Japanese-style inns). The temple grounds have open-air pavilions providing beer and noodles and countless hawkers offering talismans, incense, and o-mikuji (paper fortunes).
The main hall of Kiyomizudera is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion. It is notable for its vast veranda, supported by 139 wooden pillars (each 49 feet high), which juts out over the hillside and offers beautiful views of the city. The views and temple grounds are especially lovely during the spring and autumn.
The expression "to jump off the porch at Kiyomizu" is the Japanese equivalent of the English expression "to take the plunge." This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive jumping from the terrace, one's wish would be granted. 234 jumps were recorded in the Edo period and of those, 85.4% survived.
Beneath the main hall is the Otowa-no-taki ("Sound of Feathers") waterfall, where three channels of water drop into a pond. Visitors to the temple collect the water from the falls in metal cups and drink it for health, longetivity, and wisdom, respectively. Traditionally, one should only choose two; being greedy and drinking from all three can bring misfortune.
The temple complex contains several other shrines, notably Jishu-jinja, decidated to Okuninushino-Mikoto, a god of love and "good matches." Near the shrine are two rocks placed several meters apart - successfully walking from one rock to the other with your eyes closed means that you will find love. You can be assisted in the crossing, but this is taken to mean that an intermediary will be needed.
Be prepared: the high popularity of the place means that tourists will find it difficult to take pictures on the main temple's platform.
Getting There
Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes by bus. Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka. From there it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the temple.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Kiyomizudera; Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera; Pure Water Temple |
| Dedicated to: | Kannon |
| Location: | Kyoto, Kansai, Japan |
| Categories: | Buddhist Temples; Sacred Waters; World Heritage Sites |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Denomination: | Hosso |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | Founded 780; present buildings date from 1633 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 34.994958° N, 135.785047° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 1-294 Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan |
| Phone: | 075/551-1234 |
| Website: | www.kiyomizudera.or.jp |
| Hours: | Daily 6am-6pm (until 6:30pm in summer); Jishu Shrine closes at 5pm |
| Cost: | ¥300 |
| Photography: | Permitted outside only |
| Public transport: | Bus: 100, 202, 206, or 207 to Gojo-zaka (10 min walk) |
Travel Resources
- Kyoto Map - our detailed interactive map of Kyoto, plus hand-picked links to more
- Kyoto Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Kyoto
- Kyoto Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Kyoto Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Kyoto Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Kyoto tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Kiyomizu-dera - Fodor's Japan
- Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera) - Frommer's Japan
- Kiyomizu-dera - Wikipedia
- Official website of Kiyomizu-dera
- Official website of Jishu-jinja
- Kiyomizudera Temple Map - Planetware (Baedecker)
Article last updated: 10/05/2009.
