Kiyomizu-dera Temple Highlights

The information about Kiyomizu-dera Temple Highlights is presented here. Kiyomizu-dera Temple has a number of highlights, including Hondo (Kiyomizu Stage), Otowa-no-Taki, and Sanju-no-to, but Hondo (Kiyomizu Stage) and Sanju-no-to are the two that must be seen. Hondo (Kiyomizu Stage) is characterized by its unique architectural style, and you can see the architectural style by looking up from just below Hondo (Kiyomizu Stage). Sanju-no-to is beautiful from any angle, and it is recommended to view it from different locations.

★Kiyomizu-dera Temple (location,history)

• Hondo (Main Hall, 本堂)・Kiyomizu Stage
• Otowa-no-Taki (Otowa Waterfall, 音羽の滝)
• Sanju-no-to (three-story pagoda, 三重塔)

【Hondo (Main Hall, 本堂)】

Hondo (National Treasure) was rebuilt in 1633 with the donation from Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Edo shogunate. Hondo, which built on the steep cliff of Mt. Otowa, is about 18 meters high, about 36 meters in front and 30 meters on the sides. Kiyomizu Stage (Kiyomizu-no-Butai) in front of Hondo is about 13 meters high, with a front face of about 18 meters, sides of about 10 meters, and an area of about 190 square meters. Incidentally, the architectural style of Kiyomizu Stage (Kiyomizu-no-Butai), known as “kakezukuri,” derives from the fact that Kannon is said to reside on the octagonal-shaped Mt. Fudarakusen on the southern coast of India. In addition to the statue of eleven faces and forty-two arms of Kannon (the thousand-armed Kannon), Hondo also houses the statues of Jizo Bosatsu, Bishamonten, Nijuhachibusyu, Fujin, and Raijin. The phrase “Jumping off Kiyomizu Stage (Kiyomizu-no-Butai kara tobioriru)” comes from the Kannon belief that if you pray to Kannon and fly, your life will be saved and your wishes will come true.

【Otowa-no-Taki (Otowa Waterfall, 音羽の滝)】

Otowa-no-Taki springs from Mt. Otowa-yama and is said to have never dried up. The water temperature is 11-12 degrees Celsius and it is soft water with low hardness. It is said that Otowa-no-Taki has benefits such as wish fulfillment. Otowa-no-Taki selects one of three streams and takes only one sip.

【Okuno-in (Okuno-in Hall, 奥の院)】

Okuno-in (Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1633. Okuno-in is built above Otowa no Taki waterfall. Okuno-in has the same architectural style as Hondo and Kiyomizu Stage (Kiyomizu-no-Butai). Okuno-in houses the statues of Kannon, Jizo Bosatsu, Bishamonten, Nijuhachibusyu, Fujin, Raijin, and Kobo Daishi.

【Sanju-no-to (three-story pagoda, 三重塔)】

Sanju-no-to (Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1632. Sanju-no-to houses the statue of Dainichi Nyorai, and its interior represents the esoteric world of the　mandala. Sanju-no-to is about 31 meters high and is the symbol and landmark of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

【Kaizan-do (Kaizan Hall, 開山堂)】

Kaizan-do (Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1633. Kaizan-do houses the statues of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, Gyoei, and Enchin, all of whom are important persons in Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

【Koyasu-no-to (子安塔)】

Koyasu-no-to (Important Cultural Property) is said to have been rebuilt around the Kanei period (1624-1643), and was relocated to its present location in 1911. Koyasu-no-to houses the statue of Kannon, also known as Koyasu Kannon, and is said to bring blessings for safe childbirth. Koyasu-no-to is a three-story pagoda about 15 meters high.

【Shaka-do (Shaka Hall, 釈迦堂)】

Shaka-do (Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1633, but collapsed in a torrential rainstorm in 1972, and was restored in 1975 using old materials. Shaka-do houses the statues of Shaka Nyorai (Buddha), Fugen Bosatsu, and Monju Bosatsu.

【Amida-do (Amida Hall, 阿弥陀堂)】

Amida-do (Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1631. Amida-do houses the statue of Amida Nyorai, the leader of the Western Paradise. At Amida-do, Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect, practiced nembutsu.

【Asakura-do (Asakura Hall, 朝倉堂)】

Asakura-doImportant Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1633. Asakura-do houses the statues of Kannon, Bishamonten, and Jizo Bosatsu. Asakura-do was built in 1510 with the donation from Asakura Sadakage.

【Nio-mon (Nio-mon Gate, 仁王門)】

Nio-mon (Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in the late Muromachi period (1467-1572). Nio-mon is painted in vermilion and is called to be “Aka-mon”. Nio-mon houses two statue of Kongorikishi (Nio) that was carved in the late Kamakura period (1185-1333)

【Other Highlights】

★Kyo-do (経堂, Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1633. Kyo-do houses the statues of Shaka Nyorai (Buddha), Fugen Bosatsu, and Monju Bosatsu. In Kyo-do, the mirrored ceiling is painted with an ink painting of a dragon.
★Uma-todoe (馬駐, Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in the late Muromachi period (1467-1572). Uma-todoe can tei five horses at the same time.
★Sho-ro (Bell Tower, 鐘楼, Important Cultural Property) was rebuilt in 1607. Shoro has six pillars, which is rare, instead of four.
★Kasuga Shrine (春日社, Important Cultural Property) is said to have been rebuilt in the late Muromachi period (1333-1573) and moved to its present location in 1629. Kasuga Shrine enshrines Kasuga Daimyoji, a deity recommended by the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara.

【Remarks】
National treasures, important cultural properties, and other cultural assets may be closed to the public.
清水寺見どころ (Kiyomizu-dera Temple Highlights)