Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

Situated on the slopes of Mount Otowa in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) is one of the most impressive structures from ancient Japan. The walk up to the temple itself is a mesmerising trek.  The approach is part of the magic: winding through the atmospheric lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, you arrive at the temple gates already in awe.  By the time you reach the main building, you are fully immersed in wonder and are greeted with some of the best views in Kyoto.

The main hall dates back to 778 (Heian period), and the innermost sanctuary enshrines an image of the eleven-headed, thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva—locally known as Kiyomizu Kannon-san, the deity of great mercy and compassion.

The highlight of the temple is the famous wooden stage, reconstructed in 1633 (Edo period) during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu. Supported by towering wooden pillars, it extends from the main hall and offers sweeping views across Kyoto.

Another point of interest is the Zuigu-do Hall, reconstructed in 1718. Dedicated to Daizuigu Bodhisattva, beneath this hall lies the Tainai Meguri, a pitch-dark underground passage regarded as the womb of the Bodhisattva Zuigu-Botatsu (symbolised by the Sanskrit character हर, "Hara"), known as the motherly Buddha. The Tainai Meguri is a dark passageway, with only an oversized Buddhist bead string along the wall to guide your hand as you navigate your way down to the Zuigu stone.

We visited the temple at night, after a lovely walk through the Higashiyama streets. We were pretty lucky as the temple was open with a special light display! [smartslider3 slider="17"]

Best time to visit: Late afternoon, as the golden hour works wonders here.  The low sun casts a warm glow on the wooden hall and the autumn leaves. Spring (late March–early April) Cherry blossoms, Mid‑August (Obon period) There are occasional night illuminations; Autumn (mid‑November) The fall colours turn the temple grounds into a fiery spectacle.

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Kyo do Hall  – photo ©Kyomizu dera [/caption]

清水寺 Kiyomizu-dera Temple 
(81) 75-551-1234 
Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyōto 605-0862, Japan 
www.kiyomizudera.or.jp