Activities
Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illumination 2024
Jaime WongAutumn foliage is lit up at night at Kiyomizu-dera
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.
Autumn foliage is lit up at night at Kiyomizu-dera
A world heritage temple by the Higashiyama waterfalls that predates the foundation of Kyoto
Autumn foliage is lit up at night at Kiyomizu-dera
Make the most of your visit at Kyoto's most famous temple, despite the large crowds.
The Platform of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto is an icon that is truly impressive.
Spending autumn in Japan's cultural capital is one of the most beautiful memories I have of the Kansai region, and Kiyomizu-dera is one of the must-see temples in Kyoto.
One of the great sunsets in Kyoto can be seen from the Sai-mon West Gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Visit Kyoto World Heritage Site Kiyomizu Temple in springtime and enjoy the combination of beautiful old Japanese temple and cherry blossoms.
A cold spring day at Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera: the perfect place to relax and enjoy the spring weather while exploring this popular temple complex.
Nihon or Nippon translated literally means “the sun’s origin” though Land of the Rising Sun is a phrase that is commonly known throughout the west. Knowing this I have
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most popular temples of Kyoto. It has been registered in 1994 on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and is praised for its wonderful gardens and the outstanding views it has on the city. It is located in the middle of a typical japanese area and is only minutes away from Gion.
In the spring, Kiyomizu Temple features a cherry blossom light-up at night, which is a truly beautiful event.
Kiyomizudera, also known as the Pure Water Temple is one of more famous temples in Japan. This temple is located up in a hill in the east of Kyoto. One of the things that stands out is the wooden stage in the main hall that is 13 meters above the hill. During the spring period, this will give you an amazing view of the cherry blossom. From the wooden stage, you will also able to see Kyoto city in the distance. Kiyomizudera is also inside the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
The Seiryu-e festival is held every spring and autumn near Kiyomizu-dera. The Seiryu or blue dragon is believed to be a guardian of Kyoto. Besides the dragon, there are men dressed in traditional warrior clothes, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dancing.
Kyoto Higashiyama Flower Lantern Festival: Gorgeous and mysterious views of Kiyomizu Temple looming in the dark.
The temple is extremely popular any time of the year, especially during festivals and during New Year.
There are a lot of articles and photo stories here at JapanTravel focusing on Kiyomizudera, and with good reason: It is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Japan.
Kiyomizudera, Kyoto: What a surprise and pleasure. Many of the visitors that day (in late December) were not Japanese, and they were LOVING IT! It made me proud and excited to see how excited they were about visiting Japan.
Located at the foot of the eastern mountains and Kiyomizu-dera, this Ryokan really is something else.
Welcome to Trip Sound, a small guest house that provides a perfect base for Kyoto and offers something for everyone.
Enjoy a luxury getaway at Hotel SOWAKA, tucked away in Kyoto's Gion district just moments away from Yasaka Shrine.
For a limited time this summer, The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto is hosting a Japanese Sweets afternoon tea event. There will be a variety of traditional tastes on offer, including the likes of warabi mochi, dorayaki, yokan, and even shaved ice flavored with roasted green tea.
Enjoy specialty coffee at Arabica Kyoto – a stylish, artisanal third-wave coffee shop found in Kyoto's downtown Higashiyama area. Sister stores can be found in Arashiyama and Fujii Daimaru.
Trattoria Minoura is a small restaurant near Kodai-ji Temple and Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Their weekday lunch set (1500 yen) is quite reasonable and tasted pretty good. It includes a main pasta dish with a small salad and bread. Drinks and desert are extra.
Kodaiji (高台寺) is located northeast of the Yasaka Hokanji Temple at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen Mountains in Kyoto. The official name of the temple is Kodaiji-Jushozenji Temple. In 1606, the temple of Kita-no-Mandokoro was dedicated in memory of her late husband. Kita-no-Mandokoro was also known as nene. The Kaisando (Founder's Hall), Otama-ya (Sanctuary), Kasatei (Tea House), Shiguretei (Tea House), Omotetmon (Gate to the Sanctuary), and Kangetsudai (Moon Viewing Pavilion) are designated as important cultural assets in Japan. The temple garden is said to have been designed by the landscape gardener Kobori Enshu (1579-1647). The Japanese government has designated the garden as a historic site and a place of scenic beauty. The interior of the main building was originally painted with lacquer and covered with exquisite gold decorations. However, the current building was rebuilt in 1912 after several fires. Kodai-ji hosts modern art exhibitions in spring and fall. These are set up in the rock garden in front of Houjyo and are creatively illuminated at night.
Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto and a popular springtime cherry blossom viewing spot. It opened in 1886 and is located next to Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama District. The park was laid out by the well-known gardening expert Ogawa Jibee (1860–1933). As it is one of the most popular places for hanami in Kyoto, it can get quite crowded during the high season in April. The main attraction of the park is a beautiful weeping cherry that is illuminated at night. In the southwest of the park is the Chorakukan Villa, which the Japanese tobacco king Murai Kichibee had built. This property is now used as a hotel.
The Yasaka Cry, located in the Gion district in Kyoto, is often referred to as the Gion Shrine. The shrine is one of the most famous shrines in the city of Kyoto and is located at the end of Shijo-dori Street. The grounds of the shrine include several buildings and gates. Including the main hall and also a stage. Every year, Yakasa Shrine hosts numerous events and festivals that are important to the Japanese and is a popular destination for many visitors to Kyoto City. The Yasaka Shrine respects the gods Susanoo-no-mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, and Yahashira-no-mikogami. Above all, Susanoo-no-mikoto is an important god in Japanese mythology, known for his victory over Yamata-no-orochi (a great serpent with eight heads: a symbol of numerous disasters).