Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto Prefecture): How to Visit, When to Go and What It Costs
清水寺 · Kiyomizu-dera · Kiyomizu Temple · 清水観音 · 清水觀音
Kiyomizu-dera — Kyoto Prefecture
| Also known as | 清水寺 · Kiyomizu-dera · Kiyomizu Temple · 清水観音 · 清水觀音 |
| Region | Kyoto Prefecture, Japan |
| Coordinates | 34.994831, 135.785003 |
What it is
Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, Japan, located in the Higashiyama district. Its full name is Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera. The temple belongs to the Kita-Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism, and its principal object of worship is a hibutsu statue of Jūichimen Kannon (the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva).
The temple grounds cover approximately 130,000 square metres. It is one of the few temples in Kyoto that predates the founding of the capital at Heian-kyō, along with Kōryū-ji and Kurama-dera. It is also one of Japan's leading temples dedicated to Kannon, alongside Ishiyama-dera in Ōtsu and Hase-dera in Sakurai.
The temple is the 16th stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route. It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1995, the temple has hosted the Kanji of the Year ceremony on 12 December each year. It attracts pilgrims and visitors throughout the year, including students on school trips.
When to go
The temple is open to visitors year-round and receives pilgrims in every season. Allow at least half a day to walk the grounds. The Kanji of the Year ceremony takes place on 12 December if you wish to see that event.
Getting there
Kiyomizu-dera is located in Higashiyama-ku, in the eastern part of Kyoto city, Kyoto prefecture. It sits on Otowa-san (Mount Otowa) in the Higashiyama district. Kyoto is the nearest major city.
What it costs
The source material does not list an admission fee for Kiyomizu-dera.
Frequently asked questions
What is the temple's principal image?
The honzon (principal image) is a hibutsu statue of Jūichimen Kannon, the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva.
Is Kiyomizu-dera a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes. It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which pilgrimage route does it belong to?
It is the 16th stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route.
When is the Kanji of the Year ceremony held?
It has been held on 12 December (Kanji Day) every year since 1995.
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Reference: Wikidata · Wikipedia (ja) · Wikipedia (zh) · Wikipedia (en)