Shop Japan Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera

Sitting proudly atop ancient pillars, the temple of Kiyomizu-dera affords the visitor, without question, some of the most stunning views over the city of Kyoto. There has been a religious foundation on this sacred site since the closing years of the 8th century. The origins of the temple are deep-seated in folkloric legend. It is believed that the temple was founded by the priest, Enchin, in honour of the Buddhist deity, Kannon Bosatsu, a bodhisattva of mercy and compassion. According to myth, Enchin had dreamt of the clear water of a golden stream whose source could be found somewhere in the mountains of Higashi-yama. During his search for this sacrosanct spot, the priest came across an old man who, as fate would decree, turned out of be the Kannon himself. The original temple was constructed by Saka-no-ue Tamuramaro, one of the Emperor’s leading warriors, as penance for having hunted animals in this area, a practice that was forbidden under the moral precepts laid down by the Kannon. The temple’s greatest treasure is an image carved by Enchin of the eleven-faced and thousand-armed Kannon. Nowadays, it is kept in a closed case on the altar within the main hall. This statue is only brought out for public display once every 33 years – one year for each vow taken by Kannon in his salvation of mankind.

Date of Construction: Religious foundation on the site since the 8th century; present-day temple constructed in 1633; designated a UNESCO “World Heritage Site” in 1994

Highlights: Asakura-do; temple veranda with stunning views of the city; Jishu-Jinja (“Love Shrine”); Otowa-no-taki (“Sound of Feathers Waterfall”)