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The Significance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan
An orientation to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto's Higashiyama hills: its wooden stage, Kannon devotion, the Otowa spring and how to visit with respect.
East Asia
Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto’s hillside temple of Kannon.
The Mystique of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan
The Otowa spring at Kiyomizu-dera feeds three streams visitors drink from. Learn its popular meanings, why it is not doctrine, and how to join in.
The Spiritual Significance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Who is Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion honoured at Kiyomizu-dera? How devotion to her shapes the temple's rites and hidden image.
The Spiritual Significance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Planning a visit to Kiyomizu-dera through the year: seasonal colour, special night openings, crowded approach lanes and quieter times, all to confirm with the temple.
Uncovering the Mystique of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto
The traditional founding story of Kiyomizu-dera, dated to the late 8th century, with its monk, hermit and general, and the temple's link to the Hosso school.
Related topics
More in east asia
Buddhist China Chinese Buddhist history, caves and sacred mountains, with Mongolia. Temples of Japan Nara, Kyoto and the schools of Japanese Buddhism. Japan Pilgrim Routes The Shikoku trail and other temple circuits of Japan. Korea Temples Korean Buddhism, its mountain monasteries and temple stay programmes.