Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto (must see)

Perched high above the sight-dense Southern Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu stands as a timeless emblem of Kyoto, seamlessly blending the sacred with the secular. Beyond the throngs of visitors lies a remarkable temple offering panoramic vistas of the city below. And if you dare to brave the crowds during cherry blossom season, the nighttime illumination of the surrounding trees is a sight to behold.

The temple's genesis is intertwined with the Otowa Spring, aptly named Kiyomizu, or "Pure Water". In 778, monk Enchin Shonin, guided by a divine vision, discovered this sacred spring. Inspired by this revelation, an aristocratic benefactor bestowed a grand hall upon the site, modeled after noble palaces rather than traditional temples, and featuring a regal shingled roof. Within resides a revered 1,000-armed Kannon, unveiled to the public only once every 33 years.

A precipitous viewing platform, originally a stage for sacred dances, offers vistas over the verdant slopes. Supported by colossal pillars without a single nail, the platform's edge plunges 13 meters (43 feet) below. Once a tragic endpoint for desperate souls, it now serves as a vantage point for admiring southern Kyoto's scenic splendor.

Jishu Shrine and the temple's verdant grounds harbor secrets and traditions. Expectant mothers seek solace at the pagoda, praying for safe childbirth, while the Otowa Spring draws pilgrims lining up to sip its healing waters. Divided into three streams, each purportedly bestowing health, longevity, or success, visitors must choose wisely鈥攁 tradition upheld for over 1,200 years.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Higashiyama Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

The former capital of Japan, Kyoto is the city of tradition. During its heyday, Imperial Kyoto was the cultural and political heart of the country. At the heart of its historical landscape, there are several iconic landmarks, each bearing witness to the city's imperial past.

Nijo Castle, an architectural marvel renowned for its elegant design and elaborate gardens, boasts impeccably... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Gion District Walking Tour

Famed as one of the most mesmerizing parts of Kyoto, Gion has long been associated with traditional Japanese entertainment, stunning temples, geishas, and local eateries, ideal for whiling away a day in the ancient capital of Japan. This district forms part of the Higashiyama (鈥淓astern Mountain鈥�) neighborhood.

Among its notable landmarks is the Minamiza Kabuki Theater, a venue where... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Walk on Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto winds its way for about 2 km along the canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills. Lined with cherry trees, this picturesque walking trail was named in honor of the famed Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here as a part of his daily meditation in the first half of the 20th century. A popular spot for both locals and tourists,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

Kyoto is a city catering to tourists, especially those who love history, religion, and, of course, Japanese culture. Many of Kyoto's attractions are found in the eastern part of the city, which itself is split into wards. One of them is the Higashiyama Ward, home to several famous temples, where the look and the feel of feudal-era Japan are still preserved.

One of Higashiyama's most... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

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The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...