Otowa Waterfall

The three waterfalls at Kiyomizu-dera are collectively called Otowa no Taki. Each stream is associated with a different wish—academics, longevity, and love—and visitors drink from the one that corresponds to their desire. With a long history and widespread popularity, this waterfall is considered one of Japan’s most famous power spots.

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro

Kiyomizu-dera is said to have been founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. On the site of Kiyomizu-dera, the origins lie in Kenshin first building a hall and enshrining a Buddhist statue. It is also said that when Sakanoue no Tamuramaro later visited the area, he received a divine revelation and resolved to construct a larger temple. The result became the predecessor of today’s Kiyomizu-dera.

the year 1872

The answer is 1872. Before then, some people even jumped from the Kiyomizu stage, inspired by a legend that their wishes would be granted. In the Meiji era, as legal systems were developed for a modern nation-state, such life-threatening acts came to be prohibited.

the year 1629

The last major fire at Kiyomizu-dera occurred in 1629. This blaze is remembered as one of the most significant incidents in the temple’s history and resulted in the destruction of many of its buildings. The subsequent reconstruction is known to have required considerable effort and time, but it is through this event that the Kiyomizu-dera we know today came to exist.

the year 778

Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778, in the early Heian period. It has undergone numerous restorations since then to reach its present form. Especially famous is the large wooden balcony known as the Stage, from which the view is celebrated as spectacular. With its long history, the temple is an extremely valuable asset as a Japanese cultural property.

Otowa Mountain Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu-dera on Mount Otowa)

The formal name of Kiyomizu-dera is Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera. This name comes from the Otowa Waterfall located there, which is also the origin of the temple’s name.

Because the nail and the wood have different coefficients of thermal expansion

Because nails and wood have different coefficients of expansion, Kiyomizu-dera was constructed without using nails. It employs unique joinery techniques that flexibly accommodate the expansion and contraction of the wood. This wisdom has preserved the building’s durability over many years and can be seen as the culmination of traditional Japanese architectural technology.

Niōmon (Deva Kings Gate)

The gate at the entrance to Kiyomizu-dera is called the Niomon (Deva Gate). This gate houses statues of the guardian deities and serves to protect the temple. Passing through the gate leads to the main hall and the famous stage, but for many visitors, this imposing Niomon is the first to appear.

1994

Kiyomizu-dera was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1994, as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto along with other temples and shrines. Kiyomizu-dera is especially famous for its “Kiyomizu Stage” and is beloved by many visitors.

hip-and-gable roof construction

The main hall of Kiyomizu-dera is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and its roof is built in an architectural style known as yotsumune (hip-and-gable). Unlike the gabled style, where the roof ridge runs in a straight line, the yotsumune style is characterized by the roof sloping down on all four sides.