Neko in Japan: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Clear Water) (album)

May 6, 2008
....via taxi from Heian Jingu Shrine ....

The Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the most famous and frequently-visited places in Kyoto. 

This Buddhist temple (more fully known as Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is a Unesco World Heritage listed site in the Eastern Kyoto region of Higashiyama . It was founded as early as 798 by the Hosso sect of Buddhism, as one of the six virtually extinct schools of Nara Buddhism. The present buildings were reconstructed in 1633 and some were recently restored. 

The temple's name means "Clear Water Temple". The name is derived from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means pure water or clear water. The open terrace of Kiyomizutera looks like a stage in Noh theatre. The temple is situated in a picturesque mountain place, and the terrace provides a beautiful view of Kyoto below.

It is notable for its vast veranda, which is supported by hundreds of pillars that juts out over the hillside. The popular expression "to jump off the veranda at Kiyomizu" means to "take the plunge". This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive jumping from the stage, one's wish would be granted. The fall is about 13 meters, but there is lush vegetation below which just might cushion the fall of the daring person who does jump. The practice is now prohibited though. According to wikipedia - Two hundred and thirty-four jumps were recorded in the Edo period and, of those, 85.4% survived (eeek! who wants to try?)

My new-found friend and volunteer tour guide Calvin was amused at how I ooh-ed and aaah-ed even at just the entrance - I haven't even seen the Temple yet, but just passed through the gates and other halls.

Additional info from wiki - 
Beneath the main hall is the waterfall Otowa no taki, where three channels of water drop into a pond. Visitors to the temple collect the water, which is believed to have therapeutic properties, from the waterfall in metal cups on poles (which, though shared, are sanitized in UV trays) or commemorative plastic cups. It is said that drinking the water of the three streams confers wisdom, health, and longevity. However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two -- if you are greedy and drink from all three, you invite misfortune upon yourself. 


Sannei-zaka is a street continuing from Gion to Kiyomizudera Temple. Along the path from Ninen-zaka to Sannei-zaka are old houses lined on both sides of the paved sloping street, and there remains an atmosphere of the old capital. As you approach the Kiyomizu-zaka it becomes lively, and Kiyomizudera Temple can be found right there at the end.

How to get there (aside from taxi):

1: From Kyoto Station:

Bus 206 from Kyoto station stops at Kiyomizu-michi and Gojo-zaka, from where visitors have to walk up the gentle slope filled with souvenir shops leading to the temple.

2: From Okazaki:

Take the Kaisoku (Express) from JR Okazaki Station to JR Mikawa Anjo (10 minutes) or JR Nagoya Station (28 minutes). Change to a west bound Kodama shinkansen. Take bus 202, 206, or 207 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka. From there make your way up hill past the shops and once you reach the top you will be in front of the temple. 

Open daily from 6am to 6 pm.
Admission: 300 yen for adults.

- Jul 2, '08 2:20 PM