Kiyomizudera is one of the most famous temples
in Kyoto and is most known for the wooden stage that is
13 meters tall. It over looks cherry blossom and maple
trees in the hillside below.
Kiyomizudera was first founded in
778 at the end of
the Nara Period by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. The
current buildings were built in 1633 on the orders by
Tokugawa Iemitsu. When the structures were built not
a single nail was used to assemble them. Otowa
Waterfall was chosen as the site and the name of the
temple was derived from the pure water of the fall.
Kiyomizudera was once part of the Hosso Sect, one
of the oldest schools in Japanese Buddhism, but later
formed the Kita Hosso Sect in 1965. In 1994, the
temple was listed as a UNESCO world heritage sites.
The temple is best known for its wooden stage
located outside the main hall. It is 13 meters tall and
over looks cherry blossom and maple trees located in
the hillside below. While on the stage you can see the
city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall and
wooden stage was built without the use of any nails.
Inside the hall you can see the small statue of the
eleven faced thousand armed Kannon. There are
times when you can see monks and priests offering
prayers to the statue. Behind the main hall of
Kiyomizudera is the Jishu Shrine. The shrine is
dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. One
of the attractions of the area is these two stones
placed 18 meters apart. It is said that if you can walk
from one stone to the other with your eyes closed
then you will have luck in finding love. If someone
helps you reach the stone then it is said that you will
need the help to find love.
Below the main hall is where you can find the Otowa
Waterfall. The water from the falls is divided into three
separate streams. There are long poles with cups
attached to the end to allow you to drink from the
streams. It is said that each stream has a different
benefit, which are longevity, success in studies, and
love. It is recommended to drink from one stream at a
time because it would seem very greedy to get more.
Other structures you can visit are the Okunoin Hall
and Koyasu Pagoda. The Okunoin Hall looks like the
main hall, but on a small scale. There are halls
nearby the structure that are dedicated to the Shaka
Buddha, Amida Buddha, and Jizo. The Koyasu
Pagoda is three stories tall and is located on the
southern end of the temple grounds. It is said that
those who visit the site will bring an easy and safe
childbirth.
Please see below for
tours that include Kiyomizu Temple:
