Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778. Its history dates back over 1200 years. As a sacred place where the great compassion of the deity Kannon prevails, the temple has long been open to citizens of all classes.
Thirty Buddhist buildings stand on the site, which extends over 130,000 square meters along the central slope of Otowa Mountain in the eastern part of Kyoto, including the Main Hall of the National Treasure and many other important cultural assets. Most buildings have been destroyed by fire more than ten times since their inception. Thanks to the help of the temple believers, they have been rebuilt over and over again. Most of the current buildings were rebuilt in 1633.
In 1944, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the historical monuments of ancient Kyoto.
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The waters of Otowa waterfall are divided into three separate streams. Visitors can use the cups provided at the base of the waterfall to drink from one. Each stream is believed to have a different effect: success, love, or longevity. You should only pick one though, as it is considered greedy if you were to drink from all of them.
Kiyomizu’s wooden porch is a highlight for any visitor, not just for its stunning city views in any season but for its impressive construction. The porch is comprised of 168 wooden pillars and over 400 cedar floorboards, all fitted together without the use of nails, relying instead on a unique interlocking-joint system.
Famous as the Cupid Shrine of Kyoto, this small shrine behind Kiyomizu Temple houses various gods, all who aid in finding or keeping love. There's even a love challenge: love will come easily for those who can walk blindfolded between two rocks.
This shopping street leads up to Kiyomizudera and is lined with shops, tea rooms, and restaurants serving local Kyoto-style cuisine and souvenirs. Especially famous in the area is nama-yatsuhashi, soft mochi cakes filled with red bean paste, cream, matcha, chocolate, or other seasonal fillings.
By City Bus: Get off at the Gojozaka Stop on Route 206 bound for Higasihama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal or Route 100 bound for Kiyomizu-dera Gion/Ginkaku-ji and walk 10 minutes. The bus can be crowded, especially after 11am and on weekends and Spring/ Autumn. Alternate route is Keihan train to Gojo and 15 minute walk via Sannenzaka, or catch a taxi.
