Kiyomizudera Revisited 2023 - Kyoto

The first time my family and I visited Kiyomizudera (清水寺) was last December 27, 2014, which was the 9th day of our first trip to Japan. We were finally able to revisit it last January 9, 2023, which was my 434th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme

Kiyomizudera (清水寺)
Kiyomizudera (清水寺)

Kiyomizudera is one of my favorite temples in Kyoto City. I love its rich history and the idea that it was built without using a single nail still amazes me. 

Kiyomizudera details

Kiyomizudera, founded in 778, is a significant site dedicated to Kannon Bodhisattva, known for compassion. Situated on Otowayama in Kyoto, it spans 130,000 square meters with over 30 historical buildings, including national treasures. 

Kiyomizudera (清水寺)
Kiyomizudera

Despite enduring more than 10 fires since its inception, the temple, rebuilt mostly in 1633, remains a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its origin traces back to a monk named Kenshin, guided by a spiritual dream to Otowa Falls, where he met Gyoei Koji and established the temple. 

Welcome to Kiyomizudera
Welcome to Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizu-dera Niomon Gate
Kiyomizudera Niomon Gate

Shoun Seiryu
Shoun Seiryu

Kiyomizudera belfry
Kiyomizudera belfry

Kiyomizu-dera Sanjunoto
Kiyomizudera Sanjunoto

One of the many pairs of  komainu in Kiyomizudera grounds
One of the many pairs of  komainu in Kiyomizudera grounds

Otowa Falls
Otowa Falls

Check out how long the line is to Otowa Falls
Check out how long the line is to Otowa Falls

Buddha's Footprints
Buddha's Footprints

Kiyomizudera Asakurado

One of the bells inside the Kiyomizudera Hondo
One of the bells inside the Kiyomizudera Hondo

One of the lanterns in the Main Hall
One of the lanterns in the Main Hall

梟の手水鉢
Kiyomizudera chozuya

Kiyomizudera UNESCO World Heritage Site marker
Kiyomizudera UNESCO World Heritage Site marker

Ticket Booths
Ticket Booths

Some of the ema or wishing boards in Kiyomizudera grounds
Some of the ema or wishing boards on Kiyomizudera grounds

Originally part of the Hosso sect, it became the head temple of the Northern Hosso sect in 1965. Reverend Onishi Ryokei's leadership emphasized social welfare and peace amid societal changes. 

Kiyomizudera Hondo (Main Hall)

Benkei's sandals and staff
Benkei's sandals and staff

The view from the Hondo
The view from the Hondo

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera's goshuin
Kiyomizudera's goshuin

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera

釈迦堂
Kiyomizudera Shakado

Kiyomizudera

百体地蔵堂
Kiyomizudera Hyakutai Jizodo

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera's Niomon, Zuigudo, and Sutra Hall
Kiyomizudera's Niomon, Zuigudo, and Sutra Hall

Team Nicerio revisits Kiyomizudera

Team Nicerio revisits Kiyomizudera

Team Nicerio revisits Kiyomizudera

Team Nicerio revisits Kiyomizudera

Team Nicerio revisits Kiyomizudera

Team Nicerio revisits Kiyomizudera

The temple's iconic stage, supported by intricate wooden joints, rises 13 meters above the cliff and offers a breathtaking view of Kyoto. Known colloquially for its daring proverb, "Jump off the stage of Kiyomizu-dera," it symbolizes bold determination.

Kiyomizudera Entrance Fee 

Since my last visit almost a decade ago, the entrance fee to Kiyomizudera has increased by a hundred yen. Today, visitors need to pay 500 yen to enter the main area of the temple grounds

Kiyomizudera Operating Hours

Kiyomizudera is generally open from 6 AM to 6 PM but changes depending on the season. 

Why visit Kiyomizudera?

Kiyomizudera, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, is a must-see for enthusiasts of history and magnificent architecture. Nestled within its grounds is Otowa Falls, offering three cascades, each representing love, success, and longevity. Tradition holds that drinking from one cascade grants what it symbolizes. Yet, drinking from all three is discouraged, as it is seen as greedy and could invite misfortune.

Getting to Kiyomizudera:


From Kansai International Airport, ride a JR Haruka Limited Express going to Kyoto. From there ride a bus #100 or 206. It will take you about 15 minutes to get to the Kiyomizumichi or Gojo-zaka bus stop. From there it would be a 10-minute uphill walk to get to the temple vicinity.

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Comments

  1. As always, you take amazing photos Neil. Keep it up bro.

    ReplyDelete

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