Kyoto Kiyomizu-Dera Temple Tourist Information.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple: The Charm of a Famous Temple Representing Kyoto
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Shokokuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, and attracts many tourists from all over the world as one of the most famous tourist spots in Japan. Kiyomizu Temple is located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, and is famous for its Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu) and its beautiful seasonal gardens.
History and Origin
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple has a long history and was founded in 794 during the Heian period (794-1192). At the time of its founding, the temple was named "Kiyomizu-dera" (meaning "clear water temple") because of the spring water flowing from the temple. The main hall and the Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu), located in the center of the temple, are known as places that attract many devotees, and the view from the Kiyomizu-no-butai is especially famous for its spectacular scenery.
Attractions of Kiyomizu-Dera
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple has many attractions, one of which is its beautiful architecture, gardens, and rich history. The view from the stage of Kiyomizu is known as one of the best spots from which to view the entire city of Kyoto, especially during the cherry blossom season when the cherry trees are in full bloom. The autumn foliage is also beautiful during the autumn foliage season, allowing visitors to enjoy the seasonal changes in the scenery.
Sightseeing Points
When visiting Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, it is recommended to visit the Kiyomizu-no-butai, the main hall, and the three-story pagoda. There are also many cultural assets and places of interest scattered throughout the temple grounds, and a leisurely stroll around the temple is enjoyable. The surrounding area also offers tourists a traditional townscape, fashionable cafes, and souvenir shops.
How to get there
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is generally accessible by bus or subway from Kyoto City. City buses and cabs are also available from Kyoto Station. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is crowded with tourists, so it is important to plan your transportation well in advance.
Impressions
A visit to Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is an essential experience to feel the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Kyoto. I visited Kiyomizu-dera one autumn day to take in the beauty of the autumn leaves. The weather was fine and the air was clean, making the temple grounds even more beautiful.
When I arrived at Kiyomizu-Dera, the first thing that caught my eye was the magnificent tower gate. After passing through the massive gate, a cobblestone-paved path led to the temple, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops on both sides of the approach to the temple. At the stores, visitors enjoyed Japanese sweets and powdered green tea, which are unique to Kyoto, and one could feel the traditional culture of Kyoto.
After advancing along the approach, we came to the Ishidan-mon Gate, the main gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. In front of the Ishidan-mon Gate, there is a huge stone staircase with a magnificent gate towering above it. After climbing the stone steps, there was the main hall of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. The main hall was a massive wooden structure with a shining bronze statue of Buddha at the top of the roof.
Behind the main hall is the Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu). The Kiyomizu-no-butai is a 13-meter-high wooden stage with impressive pillars supporting it on all sides. The view from the stage is spectacular, especially during the autumn foliage season, when it is crowded with many tourists. I also enjoyed the view from the stage and was fascinated by the magnificent autumn leaves.
There are many other buildings and cultural assets within the precincts of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Among the most impressive were the Daishido and the three-story pagoda. The Daishido is a hall dedicated to Maitreya Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva), the principal deity of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and had a solemn atmosphere. The three-story pagoda was decorated with beautiful carvings and ornaments, and its appearance was like a painting.
Strolling around the temple grounds, visitors could enjoy the quiet atmosphere of even smaller halls and gardens. In particular, the karesansui (dry landscape) garden, with its unique landscape expressed only with sand and stones, gave me a sense of the spirit of Zen.
Visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I felt refreshed by the beautiful scenery woven by history and nature. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Kyoto, is a must-see tourist spot when visiting Kyoto.
Conclusion
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is loved by many people for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and rich history. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is a must-see sightseeing spot when visiting Kyoto, where you can enjoy the seasonal changes. We hope you will visit.