THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1    Introduction, Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji
• Page 2　Eikando, Tenjuan, Nanzenji, Eikando night illumination, Kiyojmizudera Night illumination.

The following is the contents of this article

Introduction

In this post, I’ll show you an itinerary to enjoy the autumn leaves in iconic places: Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, Eikando, Nanzenji, Tenjuan, and the night illumination of Eikando and Kiyomizudera.

ICONIC PLACES

たけちよ

We visit famous places and this itinerary would be behind schedule. I can’t guarantee you can visit all the places.

Kyoto sta. bus stop @ 05:31 京都駅発　5時31分

たけちよ

This itinerary begins at Kyoto sta. bus stop. In case you don’t start at Kyoto sta., be Niohmon gate of Kiyomizudera around 06:00.

At Kyoto sta. D2 bus stop (the red circles), take no. 206 for Gion via Kiyomizu-dera temple. 

シカさん

No. 206 is a loop line. There are 206s depart at A3 for the opposite direction. Don’t take them. TAKE 206 AT D2 BUS STOP.

七里ヶ浜親方

Be on time. We visit Kiyomizudera before it gets crowded with tourists.

Kiyomizu michi bus stop @ 05:43 清水道バス停　5時43分着

The nearest bus stop is Kiyomizu Michi bus stop. It takes about 20 minutes to Kiyomizu-dera.

たけちよ

Check this out.

Kyoto station to Kiyomizudera by bus: To avoid busy route

Kiyomizudera temple is the most popular destination for tourist in Kyoto. From Kyoto station, the route 206 bus is always crowded. In this post, I'll show you the other ways to avoid that busy route. 

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.01.17

Kiyomizudera is one of the most famous places to visit in Kyoto. Actually, it is always crowded with many tourists.

We can enjoy the extraordinary autumn leaves on the iconic stage.

たけちよ

Check out the video. The renovation was finished on the day before. Enjoy them on the brand-new stage, BAAAAH!!!!!

There are many Momiji trees near the stage and we can admire them on the stage of Okuno-in.

七里ヶ浜親方

Kiyomizudera has many facilities. We are on the stage of Okuno-in around 10:00. Check the video out.

KIYOMIZUDERA temple guide: Deities, stage, renovation, mainhall, must-sees 清水寺につき英語で説明

The absolute guide of Kiyomizudera temple. Deities, stage, renovation, main hall and othre must-sees, all the things available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.08.14

シカさん

There are many things to see there.

Gion bus stop @ 07:40 祇園バス停　7時40分頃

Be at Gion bus stop B around 07:40. It takes about 30 minutes from Kiyomizudera temple. Take no.12 for Kinkakuji at 07:50 (weekdays) or 07:49 (weekends and holidays).

We’ll gat to Kinkakuji michi bus stop around 08:30.

シカさん

There are 3 Gion bus stops and bus stop B is located in front of Japan Kanji Museum and Library. You’ll find this gate on the right.

Kinkakuji @ 08:45 金閣寺着　8時45分頃

There are 3 Kinkkauji michi bus stops. No. 12 arrives at the red one. The red alien is the entrance of Kinkakuji temple.

シカさん

Walk in the same direction the bus you were on goes. Turn right at the second traffic light (indicated as 金閣寺前/ Kinkakujimae) and you’ll find the entrance.

Kinkakuji opens up the gate at 09:00. In the autumn leaves seasons, we usually wait in line to enter.

たけちよ

I would takes hours to enter. I waited about 2 hours couples of years ago. Kinkakuji is a large place and it takes about 1 hour to get through to the exit. So, I planed to leave there around 11:00.

Kinkakuji temple 金閣寺

About Kinkakuji temple 金閣寺について

Kinkakuji is also a famous place to visit in Kyoto and crowded especially in the autumn leaves season. It has many faculties in a large garden.

七里ヶ浜親方

The red octopus is the entrance and the yellow one is the exit. It takes about 1 hour to reach the exit in this season.

At the red octopus, we can see the golden pavilion. Kinkakuji is designed to enjoy on boat and there are few Momijis to be enjoyed with it.

The garden under the strong influence of  is a beautiful one with many autumn leaves.

シカさん

About Kinkakuji？

Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple/Pavilion 金閣寺英語で説明

 Kinkakuji temple a.k.a. as the golden pavilion in Kyoto is one of the best place to see in Kyoto. Let us learn about what to see like the golden, dry garden, and its history.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.10.09

Leave Kinkakuji around 11:00 金閣寺発　11時半

Take no.12, 102, 204, or 205 for Kitaoji Bus Terminal at bus stop C.

We head for Kyoto shiyakusho-mae sta. as following:

Kiyomizudera has ramps and accessible toilets for the people with disabilities. In this post, I’ll show the way to visit it.

たけちよ

Kiyomizudera? Check them out!

KIYOMIZUDERA temple guide: Deities, stage, renovation, mainhall, must-sees 清水寺につき英語で説明

The absolute guide of Kiyomizudera temple. Deities, stage, renovation, main hall and othre must-sees, all the things available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.08.14

Kiyomizudera

Absolute guide, stage, renovation, Daikoku-san, Senju Kannon, Sennichi mairi, Seiryue

kyotokankoyagi.com

七里ヶ浜親方

Visit it virtually.

In front of Nioh mon gate to Todoroki mon gate スタート地点　仁王門～轟門

七里ヶ浜親方

On taxi, we can get to the pond I’ll show you later.

This is the entrance of Kiyomizudera. The gate is Niohmon gate. Others pass through it but we turn left.

七里ヶ浜親方

Taxis are on the same way.

Find the ISA.

On the road, there are ISAs and arrows.

Go straight. Gentle hill.

We’ll reach a pond.

Make sure we’re on the way.

Climb up the gentle hill. The circle indicates an accessible restroom.

シカさん

Taxis reach there.

We’ll find this gate. This is Todorokimon gate. On wheelchair, we enter the temple through the gate indicated with the circle.

Before entering, buy tickets at the ticket booth.

Early in the morning, I guess before 8:00, we buy tickets at Todorokimon gate.

The main hall 御本堂

There are many ramps inside of the temple. The statue is Daikkuten and we can be in front of him.

シカさん

Sometimes, he is not located there. Don’t worry, we can find him somewhere in the main hall.

The circle indicates the stage. To our regret, there are no ramps to reach there.

たけちよ

Don’t worry, ASK FOR HELP.

七里ヶ浜親方

The view from the stage.

We leave the main hall.

Okuno-in to Niohmon gate 奥の院～仁王門

Go straight ahead and turn right. There is Jishu shrine behind us but it is closed due to a renovation.

In front of Amida-do there is a ramp to the stage of Okuno-in.

Okunoin also has a stage and we can have an iconic view of the main hall there.

We leave Okuno-in.

Climb up the gentle hill with cobblestones and look back to the main hall.

お福さん

Quite a view, isn’t it?

Climb down the steep hill and turn right.

Just go straight ahead.

The accessible restroom.

Turn left.

The foot of the stage.

We’ll reach a pond and turn left.

We’ll find Niohmon gate again.

Taxi and your car タクシー・自家用車の場合

七里ヶ浜親方

On your car, go to Kiyomizudera by way of Chawan Zaka. On a taxi, just ask the driver you visit the temple on wheelchair.

At Gojozaka crossing.

After Gojozaka, you’ll find a crosswalk without a signal. Turn right at the crossing and go straight. You’ll reach a gate. You can make an extension call there. After the call, the temple will open up the gate.

Seiryue, or “The ritual of the blue dragon,” is a mobile ritual held in Kiyomizu-dera temple. The temple enshrines Senju Kannon. She is well known as the shape-shifting Deity of mercy. In Kiyomizu-dera, she transforms into a blue dragon. Take a look at the picture above. Over the roof of the temple, there is a beam of blue light. It stands for the dragon.

In the ritual, the dragon and monks stroll around in the temple and its neighborhood to bring it good fortunes.

シカさん

We can enjoy it spring and fall.

七里ヶ浜親方

Make sure what it is.

Starring　行列の順番

The parade

As described before, Seiryue is a mobile ritual. It looks like a parade. Participants stroll around Kiyomizu-dera temple and its neighborhood. In this chapter, let us see who they are.

The blue dragon 青龍

Previously introduced, Senju Kannon of Kiyomizu-dera temple becomes a dragon. It is believed that she leaves the main hall and visit Otowano Taki fall to drink water. The fall is located in the temple.

Heiankyo (the ancient name of Kyoto) is constructed in “Shijin Soh Oh” philosophy. In this, the Four Sacred animal saves a city. They stays in north, south, east, and west of it. Kiyomizu-dera is in the east of Kyoto and a dragon saves it there. I suppose this is one of the reasons people saw Seinju Kannon as a dragon in Kiyomizu-dera.

In Seiryue, She appears as a 60′ paper dragon.

会奉行（えぶぎょう）

He is a chief of Seirue. He holds a stick which has a dragon head.

Tenpoh shu 転法衆

They plays sea-shell instrument called “Hora-gai” and lead the parade.

Shiten noh 四天王

Shiten noh are the four Deities who guards Buddhism. In this ritual, they are guardians of the dragon.

Juroku zenshin 十六善神

They are the 12 guardians of the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra. They stroll around saying, “Namu Kanzeon Bosatsu (We believe in Kannnon).”

Yasha shin 夜叉神

They also are the guardians of Buddhism. He is enshrined in a small temple belongs to Okuno in temple in Kiyomizu-dera.

In Seiryue, he transforms into two ladies. They splash “Hako Kudoku Sui” water over us with sticks to give us good fortune.

The parade

3 must-sees

Seirue consists of 3 must-sees. Let see us what they are.

#1 Hakko Kudokusui no Gi at Okunoin temple　八功徳水の儀於奥の院

In Okunoin temple, Kannon is enshrined as in the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera temple. In Hakko Kudokusui no Gi, she gives Yasha Shin Hakko Kudoku Sui water. It is the sacred water found in Fudaraku Jodo paradise Kannon rules. Yasha Shin give us good fortune for us as described before.

After the ritual, the parade heads for Saimon Gate by way of Otowano Taki and Kyodo temple.

#２ Seiryu no Mai dance at Sai Mon bridege 青龍の舞於西門

Saimon used to be the main gate of Kiyomizu-dera temple. In Seiryue, the parade walk through it. In front of the gate, the dragon performs “The dragon dance.”

After it, it goes to it to a couple of shops in the neighborhood to give them good fortunes.

シカさん

This is the most exciting thing in Seirye. Have splashes of Hakko Kudoku Sui water!

#3 Rakkei no Gi　落慶の儀

After that, the parade goes back to Okunoin by way of the main hall. Yasha Shin give back Hakko Kudoku Sui water to Kannnon to complete Seiryue.

About Kiyomizu-dera temple 清水寺の基本情報

How to get to Kiyomizu-dera temple? 清水寺へのアクセス

About 15 minutes walk from Gojo Zaka or Kiyomizu michi bus stops.

Kyoto station to Kiyomizudera by bus: To avoid busy route

Kiyomizudera temple is the most popular destination for tourist in Kyoto. From Kyoto station, the route 206 bus is always crowded. In this post, I'll show you the other ways to avoid that busy route. 

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.01.17

Sennichi Mairi in the Nainaijin hall 千日詣り本堂内々陣特別拝観

Nainaijin is a forbidden area in the main hall. Kiyomizudera let us visit there for a week every year.

たけちよ

Jisyu shrine in Kiyomizudera is still under renovation.

Night illumination

In the days of the night illumination, we can visit Nainaijin at night.

What is Sennnichi Mairi? 千日詣りとは？

Sennnichi Mairi is a way to visit Shito shrines and Buddhist temples to make our important wish come true. With strong desire, we visit a shrines or temple to pray 1,000 times.

The one Kiyomizu-dera temple offers is a special and abbreviated one: We visit the temple on a day in Obon season and our visit and pray is considered as 1,000 ones.

たけちよ

On 8/14, 15 and 16, special night visits are available.

七里ヶ浜親方

The renovation? Don’t you worry, finished.

Kiyomizu-dera renovation finished in 2020

Kiyomizudera consists of about 15 buildings and some of them were renovated in the name of "Heisei no Daikaisyu 2008-2020(Reconstruction in Heisei period). "

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.03.06

Goriyaku of Sennichi Mairi 千日詣りのご利益

Kiyomizu dera enshrinesJuichimen Senju Kannon 「十一面千手観音菩薩像」. He has Goriyaku (good fortune)  for our health, love affair, and easy delivery.

シカさん

Lots of guide books don’t refer to easy delivery. But Kiyomizu-dera is known as Goriyaku for that. For example, in Kiyomizu-dera Sankei Mandara (In Japanese) , we can find a married couple pray on the stage.

In Nainaijin 内々陣から参拝可能

In the Senninchi Mairi of Kiyomizu-dera, we can be in the Nainaijin. Nainaijin is the most important place in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples because Deities are enshrined there. Usually, especially in Shinto shrine, Nainaijin is so sacred that we cannot be there.

お福さん

Take a look at this. The white line is a floor of the Nainaijin. The black one is a floor of Naijin. They consists of Seido. The blue one is a floor of Raido. We can be Raido but cannot be Seido because of its sacredness.

シカさん

The led line is a corridor and the green one is the stage. A is Jishu shrine.

The Deities of Kiyomizu-dera 須弥壇上の御本尊

Kiyomizu-dera enshrines Juichimen Senju Kannon 「十一面千手観音菩薩像」as Gohonzon, the most important Deity. It also enshrines Shoteki Bishamonten 「勝敵毘沙門天像」and Gunsyo Jizo Bosatsu 「勝軍地蔵菩薩像」.

There is a story on these Deities. Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the founder of Kiyomizu-dera, was in the middle of the toughest battle against Ezo, the ancient ethnic group in the Tohoku region. Tamuramaro asked help for Juichimen Senju Kannon of Kiyomizu-dera. A monk Shoteki Bishamonten and Gunsyo Jizo Bosatsu on behalf of him.

In Nainaijin, there are three Zushi ( housing looks Mikoshi) . They are enshrined there.

In front of the one located in center, we can find replica of the statue of Juichimen Senju Kannon. The authentic one is in the Zushi.

There are no statues of the other Deities. Don’t worry. In the beam of the Raido, there are three disks called Mishotai. We can see the three Deities on them.

シカさん

Between Zushis, there are lots of the statues. They are Niju Hachibushu gardians.

The way of Sennichi Mairi 千日詣りの仕方

Usually, we enter Nainaijin with shoes off. Behind Zushi, we offer Tomyo Candle for the Deities. After that, we pray in front of them.

七里ヶ浜親方

At night, Kiyojmizu-dera is so amazing. Enjoy it with Aomomiji.

About Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺基本情報

Access to Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺へのアクセス

The nearest bus stop is Kiyomizu Michi bus stop. It takes about 20 minutes to Kiyomizu-dera.

A new figurine of Daikokusan appeared!!

Passing through Todorokimon gate of Kiyomizudera, we catch a glimpse of a Kawaii statute. He is Shusse Daikokuten, a Buddhist deity who welcomes the visitors of the temple for over 500 years. We call him Daikoku-san with respect. In this post, let us learn who he is.

Who is Shusse Daikokuten? 出世大黒天とは？

Daikokuten

Daikokuten is one of the seven deities who bring us fortunes, especially wealth. He is originaly a Hindu deity Mahakala, aka Shiva adopted by Buddhism.

Mahakala means “great black one.” In Japanese, it is translated as “Daikoku.” “Ten” of Daikokuten is a suffix for a guardian deity of Buddhism.

In Shinbutsu Shugo, Daikokuten fuses with Okuninusu no Mikoto because Okuni (大国）can be pronounced as “Daikoku.”

As Daikoku-san of Kiyomizudera, Daikokuten usually smiles but some of his statues are angry because he is originally a deity of creation and destruction.

The ability to create made him a deity of prosperity and fertility. The fertility was so  emphasized he was known for a guardian of kitchen.

Shusse

Shusse means promotion (in career) in Japanese. As described before, he is a deity of prosperity. Daikoku-san of Kiyomizudera is well-known for his Goriyaku (Good fortunes deities gave us) of Shusse.

七里ヶ浜親方

In the next chapter, make sure his other Goriyaku respectively.

Goriyaku of Shusse Daikokuten  出世大黒天のご利益

Economic fortune 財運

Take a look at the hummer he has. It is Uchide no Kozuchi. With one shake, we could have anything we need. In Japan, it is a symbol of economic fortune and wealth.

He has a bag in his left hand. It contains treasures.

シカさん

In Gion Ebessan, a priestess shakes a Uchide no Kozuchi for us. And Jishu shire, we can shake a Uchide no Kozuchi by ourselves.

Fertility 五穀豊穣

Uchide no Kozuchi also gives us fertility in cultivation. He is on two Komedawaras. Komedawara is a container of rice and the symbol fertility.

Enmusubi  縁結び

Goen is a bond. As indicated before, he fuses with Okuninushi. Okuninushi is a Shinto deity who give us bond among persons. Love-seekers want his Goen.

Daikoku-san welcomes us over 500 years  500年前から参拝者をお出迎え

Today, Daikoku-san is located in Kiyomizudera but he used to be in a small temple in the island of Kamo river. The picture describes Daikoku-san in the 16th century.

The island is on the tip of the secular world. The inside of the white walls is the sacred world. The visitors prayed for Daikoku-san and got into the other world.

The statue was made in around 15th century. He is very beautiful because re-painted recently.

Amulet 大黒天お守り

Many Daikoku-san amulet is available in Kiyomizudera. And small “puni-puni” Daikokusan is strongly recommended. Small one is 350 JPY and large one is 900 JPY.

シカさん

I can’t translate “puni-puni.” I suppose cat beans has a “puni-puni” touch.

About Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺基本情報

Access to Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺へのアクセス

The nearest bus stop is Kiyomizu Michi bus stop. It takes about 20 minutes to Kiyomizu-dera.

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1 Intorduction, a short history of the stage
• Page 2 The construction of tha stage, Tobiochi Gankake
• Page 3 About Kiyomizudera, access, and bibliography

The following is the contents of this article.

Introduction 概要

　いちきしま　ひめ

This site and article don’t recommend outing though the state of emergency was lifted. Make your decision with extreme care.

The information of shrines and temples are subject to be changed.

This site is not responsible for any disadvantages you have at all.

たけちよ

Kiyomizu dera had been under renovation for years. Check the link!!!

Kiyomizu-dera renovation finished in 2020

Kiyomizudera consists of about 15 buildings and some of them were renovated in the name of "Heisei no Daikaisyu 2008-2020(Reconstruction in Heisei period). "

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.03.06

A short history of the stage 清水の舞台の歴史

Why stage? なぜ舞台と呼ばれるのか

See the photo. It is the iconic stage of Kiyomizudera temple. It is a place where performances to be practiced for Kannon, the Deity enshrined in the main hall. Between the stage, there are 2 places with an independent roof. They are called Noh dai where musicians to be placed.

The line indicated with white is a floor of Nainaijin, the most important place where Kannnon and other Deities are enshrined. We can’t be there usually except Sennnichi Mairi in August. The black line is a floor of Naijin. Nainaijin and Naijin consists of the Seido in the main hall and are on the edge of the cliff.

The blue line is a floor of the Raido. We can be there usually with shoes off. We can have a good view of the Omaedachi statue of Kannon. The authentic statue is enshrined in the Zushi (looks like a Mikoshi) and open to us every 33 years.

The red one is a corridor and the green one is the stage.

When the stage constructed? 舞台はいつつくられたか

Kiyomizudera was founded in the 8th century. A monk called Enchin (延鎮) make a figurine of Kannnon with a holy wood and enshrined it in a small hut on the cliff. By the end of the 9th century, the hut became a temple.

Like many temples in Kyoto, Kiyomizudera lost its documents due to fire and we can’t tell when the stage was constructed exactly. The oldest record is Naricmichikyo Kuden Nikki (『成通卿口伝日記』), a memoir of an aristocrat in the 12 the century. He was a Kemari master and boasted that his Kemari ball juggling on the fence of the stage.

In addition to it, other famous books in the century refer to the stage. For example,  Gikeiki (『義経紀』) , the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, one of the most popular historical figures, put it that he met Benkei at the stage.

On the other hand, Makura no Soshi (『枕草子』), the compilation of stories written by Seisho Nagaon says nothing about the stage.

七里ヶ浜親方

Makura no Soshi was finished in 1002. At least, Kiyomizudera developed a stage between the 11th and 12th century. But I can’t guarantee the stage was the same in size and construction.

In Honen Shonin Eden (『法然上人絵伝』) in the 14 th century, the Emaki describes the life of Honen Shonin, the founder of Jodo school, tells us the way he held a ritual. The Emaki shows us that the ritual carried on on the stage of the main hall though it took place on the stage of Okunoin.

シカさん

I’m sure the stage was iconic at least in the 14th century.

Kiyomizudera Sankei Mandala (『清水寺参詣曼荼羅』) in the 16th century narrates the renovation of Kiyojmizudera after Onin no Ran, the largest civil war in Japanese history. Its a picture of Kiyomizudera and its neighborhood. They are put in a sheet of paper and they are not described exactly but the the main hall, the stage, and other buildings resemble the ones we can see today.

The stage we can see today was constructed with a huge donation of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Kiyomizudera temple is the most popular destination for tourist in Kyoto. From Kyoto station, the route 206 bus is always crowded. In this post, I’ll show you the other ways to avoid that busy route.

たけちよ

Other destinations

Kyoto Transport Guide with Route map: Getting around with city bus subways and trains.

In this post, I'll show you the ways to take Kyoto transport: Kyoto city bus and the routes to avoid crowded buses subways and trains.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.06.04

No. 206 route

See the map on S&B NAVI or  the pdf on Kyoto municipal Transportation Bureau.

たけちよ

Make sure

シカさん

Remember!

七里ヶ浜親方

Most of the tourist take the 206.

At Kyoto sta. bus stop, the 206 for Kiyomizudera departs at D2 indicated with the red arrow. The blue one indicates D1, not available these days.

In the photo, people wait in line. If you find the end of the line near the red line, the bus would be crowded. Take other ways to get to Kiyomizudera as indicated in the next chapters.

七里ヶ浜親方

Next to the red line, there are 1-day ticket vending machines.

1. By way of Kiyomizu Gojo sta. 　清水五条駅経由

Take JR Nara line at JR Kyoto station. At Tofukuji sta., change trains to Keihan line for Demcahi Yanagi station and get off at Keihan Kiyomizu Gojo station.

七里ヶ浜親方

Keihan Kiyomizu Gojo station has only 1 ticket gate. You’ll find No. 4 exit in front of the gate.

シカさん

No. 4 exit leads you to the street. Walk straight to and climb up the hill. If you find a river, you are in the opposite direction.

At the hill, you’ ll find yourself at the Gojozaka crossiing (The blue alien in the map). Walk as the red arrow indicates.

Turn right at the red alien in the map. Make sure there is a pagoda. At the end of the street, there are stairs.

The staris leads you there.

2. By way of Kyoto Kawaramachi sta. 　清水五条駅経由

Take Subway Karasuma line for Kokusai Kaikan at Subway Kyoto station. At Shijo sta., change trains to Hankyu line for Kyoto Kawaramachi  station and get off at Kyoto Kawaramachi station.

七里ヶ浜親方

From Kyoto Kawaramachi sta., we have a fun walk to Kiyomizudera by way of Shjo street, Ysaka shrine, Sanenzaka and other places!

Gohonzon is a Deity a Buddhist temple enshrines. It is the most important Deity for the temple. Usually, almost all Buddhist temple have a statue of Gohonzon and we can admire it.

The Gohonzon of Kiyomizu-dera temple is “Juichimen Senju Kannon,” the Kannon with 11 faces and 1,000 hands. To our regret, we cannot admire it because the statue of Gohonzon is “Hibutsu.” Hibutsu is usually enclosed in a container called Zushi.

In Kiyomizudera, the Gohonzon is in a big Zushi looks like a Takamikura in Sokui Seiden no Gi of the Emperor. (Not exactly the same. Zushi only resembles Takamikura.)

The Zushi opens every 33 years or other special occasions. The last time we saw Gohonzon is 2008 and the next time is 2041. As an exception, It opened in 2009 to commemorate Emperor Hanayama.

All we can do now is to admire the Gohonzon through “Omaedachi” or “Mishotai.”

Omaedachi is a replica of Gohonzon. Mishotai is a disk which has a small figurine of Buddhist Deity. We can find them in the main hall. The photo shows us the entrance of it. I cannot show you how the main hall looks like because it is banned to take photo there.

The Gohonzon is about 69″ tall. It is made of Hinoki sypress. It was built in “Yosegizukuri” technique. In the technique, builders make one statue with many parts. Before it was invented, one builder made a statue with one piece of wood. With the introduction of it, people made statues easier and faster than before.

The eyes of Gohonzon are balls of crystal. It also has crystal “Bykugo.” Byakugo is a something like the third eye in the forehead some Buddhist statue has. (Make sure of it in the photo above. It is a statue in Todaiji temple in Nara.)

The Gohonzon stands on a lotus and it is about 104″ tall on it.

Kiyomizudera was founded in the 8th century and it has Kannon statues since then but it was caught by fire at least 10 times and they also burnt out. The Gohonzon today was built in the 13 or 14th period.

Omaedachi was built in the same time the main hall was reconstructed in the 17the century due to the donation of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate and a grand son of Tokugwa Ieyasu.

From the stage of Kiyomizudera, we have a good view of a valley called Kinunkei. It is considered as the Fudaraku Jodo paradise where Kannon lives.

What is Juichimen Senju Kannon? 十一面千手観音とは？

Juichimen Senju Kannon 観音像

Kannon is a name of a Deity. It is  abbreviated “Kanzeon Bosatsu「観世音菩薩」,” or “Kanjizai Bosatsu「観自在菩薩」” in Japanese. She is a Deity of Mercy and compassion. (In Japan, most of all people think Kannon  is a female Deity)

Kannon is a “Bosatsu.” Bosatsu means a person who seeks the enlightenment. It is based on Siddhartha Gautama as a crown prince. So, a statue of Bosatsu wears necklace and bracelet.

It is believed that she appears in 33 forms to save anyone in suffer. This is the reason the Zushi opens in every 33 years.

Juichimen Senju Kannon 十一面

We have many kinds of Kannon. The basic Kannon is called “Sho Kannon 「聖観音」. When Vajrayana Buddhism introduced in Japan in the 9th century, it brought them to Henge Kannon 「変化観音」. Henge Kannon means “Changeable Kannon.”

Juichimen Kannon is a kind of Henge Kannon and has 11 small heads on her head: The front, the left, and the right sides have 3 faces each. In addition to them, it has one face on the top of the head and the back of it.

The 3 faces in the front are called “Bosatsu men 「菩薩面」” and stand for the compassion of Kannon.

The 3 faces in the left side are called “Shin Nun men 「瞋怒面」.” They keep their eyes on us.

The 3 faces in the right side are called “Kuge Joshutsu men 「狗牙上出面」.” They encourages us though they look like as though they were in anger.

The face on the back of the head is called “Daishomen「大笑面」.” It laugh out evilness.

The face on the top of the head is called “Butsumen「仏面」.” It is the highest-ranked Buddha and means “the person who appears to us as the truth.”

Juichimen Kannnon has many faces as described but we can see Butsumen only in that of Kiyomizudera because it wears a crown.

Juichimen Senju Kannon 千手観音

The word “Senju” is abbreviated “Senju Sengan,” which means “with 1,000 eyes and hands.”

So, Senju Kannon exactly means “Kannon with 1,000 eyes and hands.” Senju Kannon has 1,000 arms and each palms has 1,000 eyes. She saves people in suffer with them.

In ancient times, statues of Senju Kannon has 1,000 arms actually. Around 8th century, they are began to be made with 42 arms. People believed that she save 25 worlds with 1 hand. (Buddhism has many world.) The picture above shows us a typical statue of Senju Kannon.

The peculiar thing about the Gohonzon of Kiyomizudera is that she has a small statue overhead with her arms described in the picture.

Now the stage is under construction.

Kiyomizu-dera renovation finished in 2020

Kiyomizudera consists of about 15 buildings and some of them were renovated in the name of "Heisei no Daikaisyu 2008-2020(Reconstruction in Heisei period). "

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.03.06

Good fortunes ご利益

Each Buddhist Deity has “Goriyaku,” the good fortunes it gives us.

The Gohonzon of Kiyomizudera gives us good health, easy delivery and make our hope come true.

About Kiyomizu-dera

How to get to Kiyomizu-dera temple at fall?

Fall is high season. Many people migrated to Kyoto to admire autumn leaves around the world. Usually, we head for Kiyomizu michi or Gojozaka bus stops to get to Kiyomizu-dera.

In high season, we head for Shijo Kawaramachi or Gion bus stops instead. We also take train to get to Kiyomizu-dera temple. Keihan Gion shijo station, Kiyomizu Gojo station, and Hankyu Kawaramachi station.

ヒヒヒ

Kiyomizu michi and Gojozaka bus stops are not available! Crowded!

More info.

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THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• This page What is the renovation? The renovation of the roof and the stage
• Page 2 Other renovations Can we visit Kiyomizudear during renovaiton?　The renovation 2017~2019
• Page 3 The renovation of the roof 2020; January~April
• Page 4 The renovation of the stage 2022; May~August
• Page 5 The renovation of the stage2022; September~December
• Page 6 About Kiyomizudera Access 

The following is the contents of this article.

Breaking

2/26/2023

七里ヶ浜親方

This morning

What is Heisei no Daikaisyu renovation? 平成の大改修

Kiyomizu-dera temple is one of the most popular destination for tourists in Kyoto. It consists of about 15 buildings and some of them were renovated/reconstructed in the name of “Heisei no Daikaisyu (Reconstruction in Heisei period) ” started in 2008.

During the renovation, Akihoto, the former emperor, gave up his throne to his son on 31 April 2019. On the very next day, his son Naruthito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne and the new Imperial era Reiwa started. So, the reconstruction is “Heisei and Reiwa no Daikaisyu” actually.

In  March 2020, the scaffolds covered the main hall was taken away and we can see it with full view for the first time in 3 years.

In May, the renovation of the floor of the stage was started and finished in December the 3rd, 2020.

Heisei and Reiwa no Daikaisyu renovation took 12 years and was finished in 2020.

Why did the renovation take place?

Since its foundation in the 8th century, Kiyomizudera was reconstructed in nearly every five decades because its wooden buildings were damaged by whether and the vivid colors of the pillars affected by sunlight. Other Japanese shrines and temples are to be renovated regularly due to the same reasons.

Most of all the buildings of Kiyomizu dera temple are renovated in the Daikaisyu but the most stunning incident is the replacement of the roof of the main hall. It is the last part of the Daikaksyu and finished in March 2020.

The renovation of the roof of the main hall began in 2017. It has been nearly five decades since the last one.

The renovation of the roof of the main hall

Hiwadabuki roof

The main hall was in scaffolds named Suyane for the purpose of restoring of the roof. The roof of the main hall is built in a technique called Hiwadabuki. It is a popular art of roofing and we can see it in many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. These roofs are made of Hinoki (cypress) bark. Thin barks are put together and make thick roof.

How to make Hiwadabuki roof?

This is a model of Hiwadabuki roof.

Why Hinoki cypress?

Hinoki is a popular wood for house building. It contains oil. It protects roof form water and worm. In addition to it, the roof of Hiwadabuki is lighter than that of other materials. For example, about 1 sq yard of Hieadabuki roof is about 110 lbs and a roof of cray tile roof is heavier than 5 times.  It is so sturdy wood that even Japanese mythology prefers it. Horyuji temple in Nara is the oldest wooden building on the earth and was built in the 7th century with Hinoki.

Strip the bark of Hinoki cypress

Craftspersons named “Motokawashi” strip the bark of Hinoki. They choose at least over 70 years old Hinoki tree.  Near the root of a tree, they put a tool look like spatula between bark and trunk and peel off the bark. They take only the surface of the bark off to avoid devastate the life of the tree. The tree gains bark again and they can have bark about a decade later.

Make the bark roof

Attention: The photos in this chapter are not of Kiyomizudera temple.

Hieadabuki roof without bark looks like this.

Barks are slivered in long trapezoid shape. They are called “Hiwada.” Craftsperson called “Hiwadabukishi” havs them moisten and put together to make a sheet of barks.

They put the sheet on the frame of the roof and nail them to it with bamboo nails in their mouth. When Hiawdabukishi nail a sheet to the roof, they shift it a little to build thick and large roof.

The layers of the sheet of Hiwada make strong roof.

This is the main hall of Kiyomizudera temple before the Daikaisyu started. Take a look at something green on the roof. They are mosses. Hiwadabuki roof usually has mosses or plants (actually some have flowers!) on it. They bond sheets of Hieada strong and make them tough.

How is the renovation carried on?

The main hall is renovated in a huge cage covered with the shading sheet. So, we cannot see what is going on inside.

On the other hand, on night illumination, the main hall is illuminated in side of the cage. The renovation work is suspended at night but we can see how the reconstruction is carried on.

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most popular destination to admire autumn leaves in Kyoto. Check the link below.

KIYOMIZU-DERA in Autumn Leaves and night illumination 2019

Kiyomizu-dera temple has the most amazing autumn leaves and night illumination in Kyoto. You can learn the best way to enjoy them in this article with a help of a goat Kyotoite!

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.11.03

The renovation of the floor of the stage

The stage consists of the 3 parts. They will be replaced with new ones.  The stage is about 2,045 sq. ft. and made of Cypress of Kiso and Tenyu.

These thick boards made the stage. They are about 18 ft. in length and 2″ in thickness.

The renovation started in the right side of the stage. The red circle indicates the place we were able to visit.

In the first place, the fence of the stage removed.

In the second place, the floor of it removed. Some lumbers were covered with copper plates for strength and anti-lusting.

The copper plates were replaced.

The carpenters put the boards on the lumbers and put the cypress boards over them.

This time, only the floor of the stage was replaced. The lower parts of it, like pillars, will be replaced some 400 years later.

Cypress lumbers lives about 2 times of their age. The pillars of the stage was constructed in 1633 with about 400 years-old cypress lumbers.

七里ヶ浜親方

1633 ＋ 800 ＝ 2,433

お福さん

On 2000, cypress trees were planted preparing for the next renovation. On 2400, they will became 400 years-old and they will work as pillars for 800 years.

Kiyomizu dera is the most popular destination for tourists. It was founded in 778 and one of the temples constructed before the establishment of Heiankyo city. In 1995, it was listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In fall, it is ornamented with autumn leaves and illuminated at night. It is now under renovation and the main hall is covered with huge cage.

Attention!

1）We can enter the main hall and the stage though they are under construction.

2）At night, we can’t go to or enter some places.

3）The autumn leaves in Kiyomizu-dera temple grow in amazing colors: Red, yellow, vermilion, and green. We can enjoy one of the most beautiful autumn leaves in Kyoto.

4）Now the main hall was covered with a cage. Don’t be disappointed. We can see it in every 50 years.

5）In fall, Jojuin, a sub-temple of Kiyomizu-dera is open to public.

6）We can experience Tainai Meguri (I’ll tell you what it is later.) at Zuigudo temple.

7）I’ll show you places to enjoy Kiyomizu-dera.

8）You can learn the secret way to Kiyomizu-dera avoiding crowd.

About Kiyomizu-dera temple

KIYOMIZUDERA temple guide: Deities, stage, renovation, mainhall, must-sees 清水寺につき英語で説明

The absolute guide of Kiyomizudera temple. Deities, stage, renovation, main hall and othre must-sees, all the things available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.08.14

Kiyomizu-dera in Autumn Leaves: Daytime

Overview

Take a look at the map. The blue octopus indicates the entrance. We walk along the red line. The red octopus is the exit.

The main hall 本堂

This is the main hall before the renovation. The vermilion alien indicates the main hall in the map. On the stage of Okunoin (the red alien), we have a good view of it.

Now the main hall in under renovation and is covered with a huge cage. The renovation is to be completed in 2020. We can enter the main hall though it is under renovation.

The cage makes the stage narrow but we still have an extraordinary view. The small pagoda in the photo is Koyasunoto. We’ll be there later.

BAAH! Now we are in front of Koyasunoto (The blue alien). We can see buildings consist of Kiyomizu-dera. At night, we can be there.

We also admire the stage at its foot.

At the yellow alien, we can see the valley filled with maple trees.

Near the exit (the red octopus), we can adore an amazing view: the pagoda and maple trees in warm and bright red. Most visitors don’t pay attention them. Don’t miss them!

やぎももさん

Don’t miss them, O.K.どすえ?

Turn around there. There is a pond in green and red.

Enjoy my temple!

Zuigo do temple 隋求堂　胎内めぐり

At Zuigudo, we can experience “Tainai Meguri (Going back to the womb).” In Tainai Meguri, we descend the stairs and get into the ground floor of the temple. We are in complete darkness. On the wall, there is a rope with small balls that works as handrail. We go back to the womb with help of umbilical cord. In the middle of the darkness, we find a stone lit by dim light. On the stone, a Siddham script letter is engraved. It stands for the Deity enshrined in Zuigudo. We touch it and pray for our wish. After that, we go back to the world and find ourselves reborn. 合掌。

Jojuin temple 成就院「月の庭」秋の特別拝観

Jojuin temple is a sub-temple of Kiyomizu-dera. It was constructed as a residence of a monk who made a great help to Kiyomizu-dera. It is not open to public usually but we can visit there in spring and fall. We can’t take photo. Visit the website (Japanese language only but you can see many photos.) .

Opening hours:  9：00～16：00

Entrance fee: 600 yen

成就院庭園特別公開 | 行事 | 音羽山 清水寺

京都府京都市。「清水の舞台」で知られる寺院。北法相宗の本山（一寺一宗）。縁起、年中行事、境内案内。

www.kiyomizudera.or.jp

Kiyomizu-dera in Autumn Leaves: Night Illumination

Overview

Around 5 p.m., Kiyomizu-dera is closed. At 17：30, it is reopened.

Take a look at the map. The blue octopus indicates the entrance. Be sure the difference from daytime visit. At night, the entrance is located near Nioh mon gate (The left gate in the photo.)

We can visit Zuigudo or Pagoda without fee in daytime but can’t be there without it at night.

Illumination in fall 2018

From 17th November to 2nd December

Opening hours 17：30～21：00

Entrance fee: 400 yen

The main hall 本堂

The main hall at night before the renovation. The blue light stands for the Blue Dragon. It is believed that Kannnon enshrined in Kiyomizu-dera is also a dragon.

At the stage, we can see Kyoto city over the ocean of autumn leaves. In side of the main hall, there are beautiful lanterns.

This photo is taken in the last fall at the stage of Okunoin. I suppose the main hall looks like this in 2018. We are not allowed to take photo with tripod. I put a camera on a fence and take this.

We can’t see the main hall without cage this year. Don’t be disappointed. We allowed to see this scenery only a couple of years. We might see it in the next life.

Look up the stage. Most of visitors don’t know how stunning it is.

Around the yellow alien, maple trees make a tunnel. Enjoy them!

The same view as the daytime. At night, they are in extraordinary bright red. On of my favorite places in Kyoto.

Near the exit, there is a pond. Enjoy Mizukagami (the reflection on the pond).

West gate, pagoda and other buildings  西門、三重塔など本堂付近

From left to right: Pagoda, Kyodo, and Kaizando. Behind the pagoda, there is West gate.

Through West gate, we can see Kyoto city in night. As you see, it is beyond words.

いちきしま ひめ

Don’t miss it～

Zuigo do temple 隋求堂　胎内めぐり

I suppose we can visit Zuigudo and make Tainai Meguri at night (Usually we can). I can’t tell whether we can or not because it is not announced officially.

Jojuin temple 成就院「月の庭」秋の特別拝観

We can visit Jojuin temple at night.

Opening hours: 18：00～20：30

Entrance fee; 600 yen

I’ll wait for you at Kiyomizu-dera!

About Kiyomizu-dera

Official name: Otowazan Kiyomizu-dera　音羽山清水寺

Address: Kiyomizu cho 1-294, Higashiyama ward, Kyoto city, Kyoto pref.

Phone no. 075-551-1234

FAX no. 075-551-1287

Website; Kiyomizu-dera official HP

Open hours: Depends on seasons. See Official website.

Entrance fee: Adult 400 yen　Under 16 years old　200 yen

Time required: 1 hour~

How to get to Kiyomizu-dera temple at fall?

Fall is high season. Many people migrated to Kyoto to admire autumn leaves around the world. Usually, we head for Kiyomizu michi or Gojozaka bus stops to get to Kiyomizu-dera.

In high season, we head for Shijo Kawaramachi or Gion bus stops instead. We also take train to get to Kiyomizu-dera temple. Keihan Gion shijo station, Kiyomizu Gojo station, and Hankyu Kawaramachi station.

ヒヒヒ

Kiyomizu michi and Gojozaka bus stops are not available! Crowded!

More info.

404 NOT FOUND | ヤギの京都観光案内/KYOTO GOAT BLOG

ヤギが皆様の知らない京都をご案内/ THE MOST FASCINATING KYOTO, EVAAH!

kyotokankoyagi.com