Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visitor Guide

1. Nio-mon Gate
This is the main gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It was destroyed by fire in 1469 during the Ōnin War, but was rebuilt around 1500 and underwent dismantling restoration in 2003. A magnificent two-story gate measuring approximately 10 meters across the front, 5 meters on the side, and 14 meters to the ridge, it is a fine example of the style of the time of its reconstruction. (Important Cultural Property)

2. West Gate
The current structure was rebuilt in 1633. The sunset over Nishiyama viewed from here is splendid, and this gate is a sacred place for nissōkan, the contemplation of the Pure Land, serving as the gateway to rebirth in paradise. (Important Cultural Property)

3. Bell Tower
Originally built in the Heian period, it was rebuilt and relocated to its present site in 1607 in the mid-Edo period. Showcasing the essence of Momoyama architectural style, highlights include the peony-carved gable ornament, the chrysanthemum-carved bracket arms, and the animal-shaped wood carvings of baku and elephants at the ends of the corner pillars. (Important Cultural Property)

4. Three-story Pagoda
Approximately 30 meters tall, this is one of the largest three-story pagodas in Japan, and has long been a symbolic landmark of Kiyomizu-dera, visible from the city of Kyoto. The temple was originally founded in 847, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1632 during the Edo period. It enshrines Dainichi Nyorai, and the walls, ceiling, pillars, and other surfaces are vividly painted with images of the Eight Patriarchs of Shingon, esoteric Buddhist paintings, and dragons. (Important Cultural Property)

5. Zuigudō Hall
Built in 1735. The principal deity, Daisui-gyō Bosatsu (hidden Buddha), is enshrined here as a bodhisattva with great merit, said to fulfill the wishes and requests of all beings. The hall also enshrines deities and Buddhas for match-making, safe childbirth, and child-rearing. Visitors can experience the “womb passage” here. *To prevent the spread of COVID-19, participation in the womb passage is limited in number by advance reception.

6. Kyōdō Hall
Founded in 1633, it underwent dismantling restoration in 2000. In the mid-Heian period, there was a lecture hall here where the complete Buddhist canon was stored and scholarly monks gathered from across the country, but the present Kyōdō Hall was built as a place of Buddhist study following the fires of the Kan’ei era. Inside are enshrined the Shaka Sanzon statue, and on the mirror ceiling is a ink painting of a round dragon by the Edo-period artist Okamura Nobusuke. The Nirvana ceremony held every year on February 15 takes place here. (Important Cultural Property)

7. Main Hall
Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall stands on the cliff of Mount Otowa. This wooden structure was rebuilt in 1633. It enshrines the temple’s principal image, Senju Kannon Bosatsu. Built with durable traditional Japanese construction techniques, it supports the famous stage that draws many worshippers. (National Treasure)

8. Amida Hall
Rebuilt in 1631 in the early Edo period. As the site where the practice of constant nenbutsu, advocated by Hōnen Shōnin, the founder of the Jōdo sect, was first performed in Japan, it attracts many worshippers as the 13th pilgrimage site of the Hōnen Shōnin Twenty-five Sacred Sites. The principal image is Amida Nyorai. The building features an irimoya-style roof and cypress-bark roofing. (Important Cultural Property)

9. Okunoin Hall
Built directly above Otowa no Taki, the current structure was rebuilt in 1633, the same period as the Main Hall. Restoration was completed in 2017. It has a stage built in the same kake-zukuri style as the Main Hall. (Important Cultural Property)

10. Otowa no Taki Waterfall
This waterfall marks the origin of Kiyomizu-dera and is the source of the temple’s name. The pure water that continuously flows here has long been called “golden water” and “life-prolonging water,” and has been revered as sacred cleansing water. Visitors scoop the water falling in three streams with a ladle and pray for purification of the six senses and fulfillment of their wishes.

11. Jōju-in Temple
Jōju-in began as the residence of Priest Ganan, who revived Kiyomizu-dera after it was destroyed by fire during the Ōnin War. It later served as the temple’s chief priest residence, overseeing temple grounds maintenance and financial administration. Its garden, known as the “Moon Garden,” is especially famous and is specially opened to the public for a limited time each year.

12. Thousand Stone Buddhist Statues
Some of the many stone Buddhist statues lined up here were once enshrined in Kyoto neighborhoods, including images of Dainichi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and Kannon Bosatsu. During the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji era, concerned citizens brought them to Kiyomizu-dera rather than let them be discarded. Even now, volunteers continue to replace the bibs hung on them.

13. Koyasu Pagoda
Though it is said to have been a place of prayer for Emperor Shōmu and Empress Kōmyō, the exact date of its founding is unknown. The current structure was rebuilt in 1500. Inside this three-story pagoda with a cypress-bark roof is enshrined Koyasu Kannon (Senju Kannon), and as its name suggests, it has long been deeply revered for safe childbirth. (Important Cultural Property)

14. Daikōdō Hall (Temple Administration Office)
Built in 1984 as part of the 1,200th anniversary commemorative project for the founding of Kiyomizu-dera, this hall serves as a center for Kannon devotion, international goodwill, and cultural exchange. It includes the Tahō Pavilion, the Treasure Hall that houses Buddhist statues and temple treasures designated as Important Cultural Properties, and the Kiyomizu-dera temple administration office. The Entsu-den Hall, used for Buddhist cultural lectures and Obon sermons, is located on the first floor of the Daikōdō Hall. *The Treasure Hall is not open to the public.