The eleven faces and forty-two arms of
Kannon show great compassion.
People have felt very close to the principal
image of the temple and
called the deity “Kiyomizu Kannon-san.”
KANNON REIJO, THE EMBODIMENT OF
KANNON’S COMPASSION
KANNON REIJO,
THE EMBODIMENT OF
KANNON’S COMPASSION
Over 1200 years have passed since the foundation of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Halfway up Mt. Otowa,
one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands the temple, to which large numbers of visitors
come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of great mercy and compassion. For this reason, our temple is
known as a “Kannon Reijo.” “Reijo” is a Japanese word meaning a “holy place”
with which the Kannon’s compassion is abundant.
The figure of Kannon embodies your thankful hearts—feelings of gratitude for coming into this world,
your tranquil daily lives, and your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who are always there beside you.
In other words, worshiping Kannon means taking a hard look at your true self.
Live your day-to-day lives, expressing your gratitude.
And find the Kannon’s compassion in your everyday deeds.
We at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, along with the deity Kannon, wish for the happiness of all people across in the world.
When you visit the temple, simply put your hands together when in front of the statue of Kannon
and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
Respectfully yours,
TOURS
Feel Kiyomizu, with hands-on toursA Kiyomizu priest guides international sightseers on a special tour of the grounds. He shows them around and takes them to visit several traditional buildings and historic spots, all the while explaining the teachings of the deity Kannon. We’re sure that you will discover new wonders of Kiyomizu-dera Temple as you hear the traditional stories of the temple’s origin and history that have been handed down over generations.
PRAY
VISIT
LEARN
LOCATION
FAQ
NEWS
Scenic beauty in all seasons and the solemn atmosphere of the temple grounds are being captured. Enjoy the stunning up-to-date pictures of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
