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Buddhist TempleBuddhismUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)

Kiyomizu-dera

清水寺 · Kiyomizudera Temple

Higashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Associated Buddha / Bodhisattva: Kannon (Avalokiteshvara)

UNESCO-listed Kyoto temple famous for its wooden stage, Kannon devotion and Otowa Waterfall.

Sacred Place Overview

About Kiyomizu-dera

Identity, documented context and sacred significance.

Kiyomizu-dera stands on Kyoto’s eastern hills and is one of the city’s best-known temples. Its main hall and veranda overlook the city while Otowa Waterfall remains a focus of popular devotional custom.

Sacred Place at a Glance

A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.

Place TypeBuddhist Temple
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationKita Hosso
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaKannon (Avalokiteshvara)
LocationHigashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
CountryJapan
ArchitectureKake-zukuri stage construction
HeritageUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)

Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association

Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.

Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationKita Hosso
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaKannon (Avalokiteshvara)

History & Sacred Tradition

Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.

Historical Record

The temple traces its origins to the late 8th century; major surviving structures were rebuilt in the early Edo period.

Sacred Tradition

Visitors traditionally drink from one of the Otowa Waterfall streams for blessings such as longevity, learning or relationships. Such associations are religious/popular tradition.

Editorial Context

Significance: A major Kyoto pilgrimage and tourist destination with enduring Kannon devotion.

Architecture & Sacred Complex

Kake-zukuri stage construction · Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto · UNESCO World Heritage Site (component)

The main hall’s large wooden veranda is supported by a traditional timber framework without nails.

Practices & Visiting Information

Documented worship, observances and practices where available.

Kannon devotion|prayer|ritual water custom
Seasonal illuminationstemple observances

Entry & Visitor Rules

Practical access information and visitor guidance for this Sacred Place.

Entry / Accesspaid

How to Reach

Road, rail, air and local-access information where documented.

Access overview

Travel tips: Approach involves uphill walking|Visit early to reduce crowds|Check current opening hours and night-illumination dates

Open Verified Location

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Information Status & Sources

Information Status

Status
Source Confirmed
Last checked
September 23, 2026
Primary source
JNTO