The Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A Complete Guide to its Mysteries, Legends and Rituals

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Japan has been central to the Buddhist faith for over 1,200 years. On this walking tour, you’ll discover why exactly it’s been a pilgrimage site for centuries. You’ll learn about the temple’s history and the beliefs that have surrounded it since the 8th century, but also about its quirky facts, hidden surprises, and many mysteries.

The tour starts at the Kiyomizu-dera Niomon Gate, the temple’s iconic portal, from where you’ll venture towards the Kiyomizu-dera Hondo Main Hall. There you’ll learn about Kannon, a prominent figure in Buddhism who embodies compassion, and is often depicted as having eleven faces, 42 hands, and the ability to transform into 33 forms. I’ll show you the spiritual centre of the temple, the Kiyomizu-dera Otowa no Taki Falls and explain the significance of its three separate water pipes. You’ll make your way up to the Kiyomizudera Koyasunoto Pagoda with its various viewpoints. Some offer a panoramic view of Kyoto City, while others allow you to capture the major architectural features of Kiyomizu-dera in a single photograph! The tour follows a circular route, so you’ll return to the starting point with a deeper understanding of the temple’s meaning and symbolism.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Admire the beautiful combination of natural scenery and authentic Buddhist architecture
• Enjoy citywide views of Kyoto and find out how Blindfold Gate hid the Imperial Palace from sight because it was considered impolite to look down on the Emperor's residence
• Trace the temple’s origins back to 778 when Buddhist monk Enchin, guided by a divine dream, ventured north from Nara to unearth a sacred mountain and its pristine waters in Kyoto
• Discover the temple complex’s rare wooden architecture and learn about its other unique characteristics
• Find out why so many devotees jump off the stage attached to the temple’s main hall
• Learn about the histories of the northern tribes of Japan
• Follow pilgrims from around the world to learn about water’s importance at the Otowa no Taki Falls

Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting Kiyomizu-dera for the first time, this tour is a valuable introduction to the history and mysteries of Kiyomizu-dera. This tour takes you through the temple, providing you with far more detail than you’ll find in a regular guidebook. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a greater appreciation for the temple, its rich cultural and religious heritage, and lesser-known stories. The average duration of this tour is 60 minutes. It can be shorter or longer depending on your pace and the length of your stops.

Please note

You will be required to purchase an entry ticket to the temple.