|
Kyoto Mist
Index
Hokanji Temple
Gojo-zaka Pottery Festival
Momiji Season in Kyoto
Kiyomizu Temple
|
|
|
Cherry Blossoms at Kiyomizu Temple |
|
|
April, 2002 |
Visitor Information |
| |
 "Sakura...sakura...
noyamamo satomo
Miwatasu kagiri.
Kasumi-ka kumo-ka ...
asahi-ni niou
Sakura... Sakura...
Hanazakari."
- Sakura Song |
|
| |
The cherry blossom is Japan's most beloved and
celebrated flower. Sakura motifs can be found on everything, from
fans and kimono to saké cups and sword fittings, adorning almost all of
the arts and crafts of Japan.
At the start of April, the landscape of Kyoto is decorated with wisps of
light pink and white, drawing visitors from across Japan and abroad to
take part in that most sentimental of all Japanese traditions - cherry
blossom viewing, or hanami. What better place to view this revered
flower than at Kyoto's most famous landmark and spiritual center -
Kiyomizu Temple.
|
 |
| |
|
 |
The Ascent
Kiyomizu Temple is located in Kyoto's eastern quarter at
the foot of Mt. Otowa, whose name in Japanese means, "Sound-of-Feathers
Mountain." The ascent to the temple is a steep and winding walk up
Kiyomizu-zaka - a charming, narrow street lined with restaurants,
souvenir shops, tea rooms, and art dealers.
The sights and sounds of this area below the temple haven't changed for
centuries, with many of the family-owned shops here dealing in
traditional Kyoto-made arts and crafts since the Edo era. Visitors can
expect to find a dazzling selection of silk fans, incense, dolls,
hanging screens, antiques, and Kiyomizu-yaki porcelain; not to mention,
unique treats like green tea-flavored ice cream and daikon pickles.
Unlike some tourist traps in Japan that shamelessly peddle stereotyped
images of "Old Japan", the experience here along Kiyomizu-zaka is
grounded in tradition and very, very real. Since its founding in 794 AD,
Kyoto has developed as the center of both culture and commerce, and
there are few places in Japan where traditional industries like
textiles, laquerware, and basket weaving are still prospering. The level
of craftsmanship you find in even the smallest of wares shows that the
artisan spirit is still alive and thriving in Kyoto.
Onward...
|
| |
|
Clear Water Temple
 The temple is comprised of a number of towers, gates, and halls;
thirty-three structures in total and each with its own historical and
spiritual significance. Its name comes from the clear, pure waterfall
which originates from an unknown source deep within Mt. Otowa.
According to historical records, Kiyomizu Temple was established in 778
AD by the priest Enchin, who was told in a vision to "look for the clear
water origin of the upper reaches of the Yodo river." After a long
search, Enchin found a waterfall deep within a misty forest at the base
of Mt. Otowa, and there he enshrined a wooden image of Buddha (called
Kannon Bosatsu), thus marking the beginning of the temple. |
Kyo-Do Hall (front) and Kaisan-Do (rear) |
| |
|
Passageway to Main Hall
Main Hall and Stage
Hondo (Main Hall); Outer Sanctuary
|
During the past 1200 years of its history, Kiyomizu
Temple has been repeatedly burned and destroyed but always rebuilt to
its original form. Most of the present temple structures were
reconstructed between 1631 and 1633 (early Edo era) by order of Shogun
Iemitsu Tokugawa. The Main Hall, or Hondo, is designated as a National
Treasure and 15 other structures designated as Important Cultural
Properties by the Japanese Government. In 1994, the temple was inscribed
on the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO.
One interesting aspect of Kiyomizu-dera is the richness in the style and
architecture of each building. The earlier halls are simple, austere
structures with roofs made of cypress tree bark. The newer ones are
painted in crimson and covered with ornate ceramic tiles, reflecting the
architectural revival of the early Edo period.
But the most famous structure in the temple and principal place of
worship is the Main Hall (left) where the Kannon Bosatsu, having
survived numerous fires since the time of Enchin, is enshrined in the
innermost sanctuary. Though the image is put on display only once every
30 years, visitors can peer inside the outer sanctuary. Here, the
massive pillars which support the weight of the roof can be seen; each
pillar is formed from a single zelkova tree (rarely found today),
serving testament to the architectural wonder of the temple.
Facing the outer sanctuary is the Butai, or "dancing stage", which
extends 10 meters (33 feet) over a cliff and is supported by wooden
scaffolding extending 12 meters (40 feet) down into Kin-un-Kyo gorge.
From here, perched just above the tops of the trees which fill the gorge
below, Kiyomizu Temple appears to float serenely on a vast cloud of
cherry blossoms - a breathtaking view that attracts an estimated 2
million visitors every year.
|
| |
Over the centuries, though, several performers are said to have fallen
to their deaths while acting on the Butai, and it is here where the
expression, "Kiyomizu no butai kara tobiorita tsumori de" was coined,
meaning literally "as if jumping off Kiyomizu stage." Today, the term is
used to describe the act of summoning all of one's courage before
plunging into the unknown.
While enjoying the view from the Butai, visitors are sure to notice the
top stage of Koyasu-no-to, a tower nestled in the trees on the opposite
side of the gorge. It is said that after praying before this tower, an
imperial consort gave birth to a daughter who would later become Empress
Koken (718-758). Today, expecting mothers come to the pagoda to pray for
an easy child birth.
Adjacent to the Butai is Oku-no-in, or "The Innermost Temple". From
here, visitors can view the Main Hall in its entirety and enjoy watching
the sunset over downtown Kyoto. During cherry blossom season and momiji
season, the trees below the Main Hall are illuminated at night, a
spectacular scene that draws the greatest number of viewers in spring
and autumn. |
Butai (right wing)
Koyasu-no-to (Koyasu Tower)
|
| |
|
 |
One of the last points of interest to see before
leaving the temple is the famous waterfall from which Kiyomizu-dera
takes its name. Otowa-no-taki (Sound of Feather's Waterfall) is counted
among the ten most famous pure water sites in Japan, and drinking from
this sacred fall is said to bring one health and good fortune.
At the end of your visit, the way out is the same as the way in, and you
are back to the bustling crowds and cheerful calls of the vendors along
Kiyomizu-zaka. That is, unless you are fortunate enough to have found
the side entrance leading down to Chawan-zaka - one of the best streets
for ceramic shopping in Kyoto.
Needless to say, any visit to this historic city would be incomplete
without a shopping trip along Kiyomizu-zaka and a visit to the temple
above. Health, good fortune, and the finest gifts in Kyoto - what better
souvenirs to take home than that?
 |
|
|
 |
| |
|
Kiyomizu Temple
Visitor Information |
| |
Hours :
|
6:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Admission :
|
Adults : 300 JPY, Children : 200 JPY |
Access :
|
Kiyomizu-zaka
Kiyomizu-zaka via Sannen-zaka
Chawan-zaka via Gojo-zaka (side entrance)
|
What to do after :
|
Ceramic shopping along Chawan-zaka and Gojo-zaka is
highly recommended. A number of shops along these two streets deal in
Kiyomizu-yaki porcelain, Kyoyaki, and pottery from a number of areas
around Japan.
|
| |
|
|
