Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera is the name that refers to several Buddhist temples but most commonly to Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera in Eastern Kyoto. The temple of Kyoto dates back to 798, but the present building of the temple was constructed in 1633.

The name of the temple is taken from the waterfall within its complex. Kiyomizu means pure water, clear water or limpid water.

The temple has a main hall which is notable for its large veranda supported by hundreds of pillars and a platform. There is a popular expression in Japan that says “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu”. This implies that if one were to survive jumping from the stage, one's wish would be granted.

The temple complex has several other shrines and the most important one is of the Jishu-jinja, dedicated to Okuninushino-Mikoto, a god of love and good matches. Jishu-jinja has a pair of love stones placed 18 metres apart, which lonely visitors attempt to walk between with their eyes closed.

Success in reaching the other stone, eyes closed, is taken as a presage that the pilgrim will find love. The complex has all that is required by a popular temple and is one of the most-visited attractions of the city.

Location

Kiyomizu Temple is located in Kyoto's eastern quarter at the foot of Mt. Otowa in Kyoto, Japan.

Historical Importance

Laid out in 798 A.D., the palaces and temples of Kyoto were the residences of Japan's emperors and shoguns for more than 1,000 years. The Kiyomizu-dera site was destroyed and rebuilt. Today, it is also one of the Asia's greatest cultural heritage sites.

Nearby Attractions:

Central Kyoto
Kyoto Imperial Palace: The emperor resided in this Palace until 1868.

Nijo Castle: It was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shogun.

Nijo Jinya: It was a former inn for visiting feudal lords.

Toji Temple: It has the Japan’s tallest Pagoda

Pontocho It is an ideal place to have the glimpse of the nightlife of Kyoto

Nishiki Market: Vendors sell the freshest food in the market

Eastern Kyoto
Sanjusangendo Hall: It has exhibits of 1001 Kannon statues.

Kiyomizudera Temple: It is a beautiful temple with sprawling terrace.

Gion District: It is Kyoto’s famous geisha district.

Yasaka Shrine: It is famous for Gion Festival and the beautiful display of Japanese lanterns.

Chionin: It is the most important temple for the Jodo sect of Buddhism.

Heian Shrine: It is the Shrine that is inspired from the ancient Imperial Palace.

Nanzenji temple: It is a Zen temple with a beautiful stone garden.

Path of Philosophy: It is a walking trail lined with pretty cherry blossom trees.

Ginkakuji Silver Pavilion: It is called as the poor cousin of the Golden Pavilion.

Northern Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion: It is adorned with gold leaf embellishments.

Ryoan-ji Zen Temple: It is well known as the best example of Zen architecture and has beautiful rock garden.

Ninnaji: It was a former imperial residence and now turned into a temple.

Daitokuji: It is a large complex of Zen sub-temples.

Toei Eigamura: It is a theme park as well as a film set.

Enryakuji: It is the main temple of the Tendai sect.

Ohara: It is a rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple.

Kurama: It is a rural town with a temple and a hot spring.

Western Kyoto
Arashiyama: It is a scenic city area famous for the Togetsukyo Bridge and Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Tenryuji: It is a temple in the Arashiyama area.

Katsura Villa: It is an extremely beautiful imperial villa.

Southern Kyoto and Uji
Fushimi Inari Shrine: It is dedicated to Inari the Shinto God of cereals.

Tofukuji: It is a beautiful Temple which looks spectacular with the backdrop of maple trees in autumn.

Byodoin: It is a temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden.

Mampukuji: It is the Headquarters of the Zen Obaku sect.