Kiyomizu-dera
A Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. One of Japan’s oldest temples, Kiyomizu-dera predates Kyoto’s founding as the imperial capital and remains among the city’s most visited pilgrimage destinations.
At a glance
Kiyomizu-dera belongs to the Kita-Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism and houses a hibutsu (hidden) statue of Jūichimen Kannon—an eleven-headed form of the compassion bodhisattva. The temple’s full name, Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, translates as “Pure Water Monastery.” It holds the 16th position on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route, one of Japan’s major pilgrimage circuits.
History
Kiyomizu-dera predates Kyoto’s establishment as the imperial capital in 794, placing it among the city’s oldest temples alongside Kōryū-ji and Kurama-dera. As one of Japan’s leading temples dedicated to Kannon worship, it has long attracted pilgrims seeking the bodhisattva’s intercession. The temple gained modern cultural prominence in 1995 when it began hosting the annual Kanji of the Year ceremony each December 12.
What you see
The temple’s architecture and layout reflect centuries of Buddhist practice and pilgrimage tradition. Its central image remains the hibutsu Kannon statue, rarely displayed to the public, which serves as the temple’s primary object of veneration.
Cultural significance
Kiyomizu-dera stands as a vital center for Kannon devotion in Japan, sharing this distinction with Ishiyama-dera in Ōtsu and Hase-dera in Sakurai. Its role in the Saigoku Pilgrimage has made it a cornerstone of Japanese Buddhist practice for centuries. The annual Kanji of the Year ceremony—which selects a single character representing the year’s events—has become a nationally recognized cultural event, broadcast throughout Japan.
Key facts
- Country: Japan
- City: Kyoto
- Coordinates: 34.995, 135.785
- Sect: Kita-Hosso Buddhism
- Saigoku Pilgrimage: 16th stop
- UNESCO: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site
Practical information & getting there
Kiyomizu-dera welcomes pilgrims and visitors year-round. The temple is a major tourist destination in Kyoto, easily accessible from the city center. Check ahead for current visiting hours and any seasonal observances.
Sources & resources
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