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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
Introduction｜はじめに
A magnificent wooden stage
stretching out over a hillside.
Historic temple buildings
surrounded by the mountains of Kyoto.
Founded in 778,
Kiyomizu-dera has welcomed worshippers
for more than 1,200 years.
But why was such a large wooden stage
built on the steep slopes
of Mount Otowa?
The Beginning of Kiyomizu-dera｜清水寺の始まり
The story of Kiyomizu-dera
began in 778,
when a monk named Kenshin,
later known as Enchin,
travelled to Mount Otowa.
According to temple tradition,
he was guided by a dream
and discovered a waterfall
with clear flowing water.
Later, the warrior
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
and his wife helped establish
a temple dedicated to Kannon.
The temple was named Kiyomizu-dera,
meaning “Pure Water Temple,”
after the clear water
of Otowa Waterfall.
■ Memo｜Over 1,200 Years of History
Kiyomizu-dera suffered many fires
throughout its long history.
Most of the main buildings seen today
were rebuilt in the 17th century.
Why Build a Stage Here?｜なぜ崖の上に舞台を？
The famous Kiyomizu Stage
extends outward from the Main Hall,
high above the steep hillside.
Standing approximately 13 meters
above the ground below,
it offers wide views across Kyoto.
But the stage was not originally built
simply to enjoy the scenery.
It was created as a place
to dedicate music, dance
and other performing arts
to Kannon, the temple’s principal deity.
Wooden Architecture｜舞台を支える木組み
The stage is supported
by 18 large zelkova pillars,
connected by thick wooden beams.
This traditional construction method
is called kake-zukuri.
The main wooden framework
is assembled without nails
at its joints.
The pillars and beams
support one another,
allowing the large structure
to stand on the steep slope.
■ Memo｜Taking a Leap of Faith
The Japanese expression
“to jump from the stage of Kiyomizu”
means making a bold decision
with great determination.
The stage is more than
a famous viewing spot.
It is a place where traditional craftsmanship
and centuries of prayer come together.
what other stories
are waiting to be discovered?
Otowa Waterfall｜清水寺の名前の由来
Below the Main Hall,
Otowa Waterfall flows
in three streams.
Its clear water gave
Kiyomizu-dera its name
and has been respected
as sacred water for centuries.
Visitors receive the water
using long-handled cups
and offer prayers
for purification and blessings.
■ Memo｜Wishes Associated with the Three Streams
The three streams are often associated
with academic success, good health
and good relationships.
However, different traditions
have developed over time.
West Gate｜夕日に込められた祈り
Near the Niomon Gate
stands the West Gate,
a beautiful structure
rebuilt in 1633.
The gate has long been associated
with the setting sun
and the Buddhist belief
in the Western Pure Land.
A practice called Nissokan
involves contemplating the setting sun
while imagining the Western Pure Land.
For people in the past,
the sunset was more than
a beautiful view.
It was also a moment of prayer.
Zuigudo Hall｜暗闇を歩く胎内めぐり
Zuigudo Hall is known
for an unusual experience
called Tainai Meguri.
Visitors walk through complete darkness,
following a rope
made to resemble large prayer beads.
The journey symbolically represents
passing through the womb
of a bodhisattva.
Unlike the open views
from Kiyomizu Stage,
this experience invites visitors
to focus on their senses
and thoughts.
■ Photo Tip｜A Side View of Kiyomizu Stage
From the paths around the Main Hall,
look for a view of the stage
from the side.
You can appreciate its wooden structure
and the surrounding hillside together.
🟫 CAT MEMO 🐾
Chirin, chirin♪
“Just one little tap…
It made such a pretty sound, nya♪”
🗺 Google Map
Please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Kiyomizu Stage is not only
a place to enjoy beautiful views.
Its remarkable wooden architecture
reflects centuries of craftsmanship
and devotion.
From the sacred water
of Otowa Waterfall
to the prayers connected
with the West Gate,
many stories remain
throughout the temple grounds.
And there is still more to discover.
The Niomon Gate, Three-Storied Pagoda
and other beautiful buildings
also await visitors.
Perhaps knowing these stories
will make your visit
a little more memorable.
Thank you
for visiting
Kiyomizu-dera.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas,
each offering different attractions and experiences.
