Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto's "Temple of Pure Water"

A must-see in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan’s most famous temples. Founded in 778, even before the establishment of Kyoto, it belongs to the Hossō school of Buddhism, one of the oldest in the country. Its name means “Temple of Pure Water” and comes from the Otowa Spring, whose sacred waters still flow today. 

Kiyomizu-dera is particularly known for its large wooden terrace supported by cypress pillars, which offers a remarkable view of its gardens and the city. 

The site’s most iconic building is its main hall (Hondō). Inside is a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist deity to whom the temple is dedicated. 

Gardens that change with the seasons

The gardens of Kiyomizu-dera cover the wooded slopes of Mount Otowa and are an integral part of the temple’s charm. They feature a mix of maple and cherry trees, ponds, and winding paths.
From several vantage points, you can admire the main hall and its famous terrace overlooking the lush greenery. 

A more modest pagoda stands on the other side of the gardens, hidden from view. It’s the perfect spot to take a break away from the crowds gathered in front of the main hall!

The cherry blossoms attract many visitors in the spring, but it is the maple trees, which adorn the site with shades of red and orange in the fall, that are most appreciated by visitors. 

Events and Celebrations

Throughout the year, Kiyomizu-dera hosts several ceremonies and festivals that attest to its religious significance.

Among the most important is the Seiryū-e, held three times a year, in spring and fall. A green and gold dragon, representing the guardian deity Seiryū, is then carried through the temple grounds in a procession accompanied by monks in traditional robes. 

The temple also hosts the Shushô-e, a New Year’s ceremony during which prayers are recited for peace, health, and bountiful harvests in the coming year. This ceremony is less festive than the Seiryû-e but much older and more solemn.

Kiyomizu-dera is also famous for its seasonal illuminations, particularly those held to celebrate the autumn foliage (momiji).
As night falls, the gardens offer a spectacular display of colors, with the leaves falling from the trees and their reflections in the water of the ponds. A blue beam of light representing Kannon is projected toward the sky from the main pavilion.

These illuminations are among the most famous in Kyoto and attract many visitors each year who come to admire one of the most beautiful autumnal atmospheres in the ancient capital.