Kiyomizu-Dera


Kiyomizu-Dera is a vast temple complex, one of the most popular places among Buddhists in Japan for pilgrimage. There is a Temple of pure water (so its name is translated) in Kyoto , on the slope of Mount Otto. It was founded in 778.

Kiyomizu-Dera is the symbol of Kyoto. It is dedicated to the goddess of fortune Kannon. Tourists are attracted to both the temple itself and the view that opens from its territory to the city. In 1994, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A bit of history

According to the giving, Entinu, the monk of the Kojima-Dera monastery, in a dream the Bodhisattva Kannon appeared and ordered to create a monastery on the slopes of Mount Otto, near the eponymous waterfall. Entin created a small settlement.

And after the monk healed the seriously ill wife of the shogun Sakanoue, in honor of the miraculous healing, as well as in honor of the victory he won by the people of Emishi (which, undoubtedly, was also helped by the Thousand-Headed Kannon), built a large temple in honor of the bodhisattva around settlements of monks. This happened either in 780 or in 789.

Initially, the monastery was considered a private property of the Sakanoue clan, in 805 it became a protectorate of the Imperial House. In 810, the monastery gained a special status (it became the official place for holding prayers about the health of the members of the Imperial House) and the name that still bears today.

Among Buddhists, the temple is known for the fact that it was here that a special direction of Buddhism - Kit Hosso was formed.

Complex today

The buildings that have survived to this day are dated 1633. Several gates lead to the complex: Nio, from which the road to the Main Temple, the Western Gate, runs. In addition to the Main Temple, the complex includes:

The main buildings are located on the middle part of the slope of Otovy, they have stone foundations. Three streams of the Otof waterfall flow south of the Main Temple; behind them is the Valley of brocade clouds, behind which is located Taishan-ji - a "daughter" monastery, designed to be prayed for the successful completion of childbirth.

The temple of Kiyomizu-Dera is famous for its wooden platform, which has a unique design. It is built without the use of nails and is located at a height of 13 m above the ground. From the site offers a stunningly beautiful view of the slopes of the mountain. They look especially beautiful in the spring, when the cherry trees covering the slope are blooming, and in the autumn, when the foliage of the maples, which are no less there, blazes with all shades of red and gold. The main temple, as already mentioned, is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon.

The Nio Gate is decorated with four-meter stone statues that "guard" the entrance. The three-story pagoda is one of the largest in Japan.

Very popular with tourists is the "love stones". They are located at a distance of about 20 m from each other, and it is believed that those who are able to pass with closed eyes from one stone to another, will find success in love. Spirits allow you to use the help of a mediator-guide in this journey, which is quite complicated, but you will have to share your luck with the guide.

How to get to the temple?

You can get to the temple complex from Kyoto station by buses Nos. 100 and 206. Go for about 15 minutes, go out at Gozo-zaku station or Kiyomizu-miiti stop; and from one, and from the other to the temple itself, you have to walk for about 10 minutes. A trip on the bus costs $ 2 (230 yen). You can get there by train - by the Keian railway line, go to Kiyomizu-Gojo; from her to the temple will have to walk about 20 minutes.

The temple of clean water works without days off. It opens for visitors at 6:00, closes at 18:00, and during the cherry blossom and autumn, when the foliage is already acquiring a multi-colored color, until 21:30. At this time, the visiting fee is $ 3.5 (400 yen), while the rest of the time is only $ 2.6 (300 yen).