[VOL.78] Kiyomizu-dera Temple's "Womb Pilgrimage" and Otowa Waterfall | A Journey of Rebirth Wrapped in the Compassion of Kannon

Hello.

Thank you for always reading my blog✨

I am introducing the power spots I visited in Kyoto on December 13, 2025, in several parts🗾

December 13, 2025 (Sat) Kyoto Prefecture (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City)

1. 🛕 To-ji Temple

2. ⛩️ Yasaka Shrine

3. 🛕 Kiyomizu-dera Temple

In the previous article, I wrote about ⛩️ Yasaka Shrine, but this time I will document my visit to 🛕 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its "Stage of Kiyomizu," which has received the prayers of people for over 1,200 years.

[Table of Contents]

・🛕 Basic Information: Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple

・Origin of Founding: The Beginning of Kannon Faith Guided by Otowa Waterfall

・Principal Image, Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon: The Compassionate Buddha Who Reaches Out to All Suffering

・Deep Connection with the Saigoku Thirty-three Pilgrimage: A Sacred Site for Kannon Pilgrimage

・Zuigu-do Hall "Womb Pilgrimage": Encountering Your True Wishes in the Darkness

・Main Hall and the Stage of Kiyomizu: The Spirit of "Mutual Support" Taught by the Kake-zukuri Structure

・Otowa Waterfall: Choosing the Blessings You Need from the Three Streams

・Amida-do Hall and Hidden Highlights: A Quiet Space Away from the Bustle

・Internal Realizations: "Passing Through the Darkness" and "Making Choices"

・Summary

🛕 Basic Information: Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple

・Official Name: Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple

・Sect: Kita-Hosso Sect (Head Temple)

・Principal Image: Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu (Hidden Buddha, unveiled once every 33 years)

・Founded: Said to be 778 (Hoki 9)

・Pilgrimage Site: 16th Temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage

・Main Blessings: Good health, career success, finding a good match, academic success, longevity

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan's leading Kannon pilgrimage sites, located halfway up Mt. Otowa in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto.

The Main Hall, which gave rise to the proverb "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu," is known for its unique architectural style called "Kake-zukuri" (stilt-supported structure) that juts out over a cliff, and in 1994, it was registered as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

It has long been visited by many people regardless of social status, and it remains one of Kyoto's premier tourist attractions, visited by millions of people from Japan and abroad every year.

Origin of the Founding: The Beginning of Kannon Faith Guided by Otowa Waterfall

The founding of Kiyomizu-dera dates back to 778 (Hoki 9).

Enchin Shonin, who was training at Kojima-dera Temple in Nara, followed a dream revelation to head north, where he discovered a golden stream on Mt. Otowa.

Tracing the source of the stream, he met a white-robed ascetic named Gyoei Koji by the waterfall.

It is said that Gyoei Koji told Enchin, "You must enshrine Kannon in this place," entrusted him with a sacred piece of wood, and then vanished.

Enchin carved a statue of the Thousand-armed Kannon from that sacred wood and built a hermitage on this site, which was the beginning of Kiyomizu-dera.

Later, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the Seii Taishogun, became a devotee of Enchin Shonin's teachings and donated his own residence to serve as the Main Hall.

Through this, Kiyomizu-dera developed into a major national temple.

The temple name "Kiyomizu" (Pure Water) is derived from the clear water of the "Otowa Waterfall" that springs up within the temple grounds.

Even after more than 1,200 years, this waterfall still flows with pure water, continuing to soothe the hearts of visitors.

Principal Image, Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon: The Buddha of Compassion Who Extends a Hand to All Suffering

The principal image of Kiyomizu-dera is the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu.

'Eleven-faced' means having eleven faces on the head, signifying that the deity watches over suffering people in all directions.

'Thousand-armed' represents the figure having countless hands, holding various ritual implements in each to save sentient beings in every possible way.

Unlike typical Thousand-armed Kannon statues, the one at Kiyomizu-dera has a unique appearance known as the 'Kiyomizu style,' with both hands joined above the head.

This posture is unique to Kiyomizu-dera and is a rare form seldom seen at other temples.

The principal image is considered a hidden Buddha and is only unveiled once every 33 years.

When the next unveiling will take place is a matter of great interest to many worshippers.

Although you cannot see the principal image directly under normal circumstances, its presence is certainly felt upon entering the main hall.

Even if invisible, it was a space wrapped in a sense of security, as if a thousand hands were quietly being extended.

Deep ties with the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage: A sacred site for Kannon pilgrims

As the 16th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, Kiyomizu-dera has been visited by many pilgrims since ancient times.

The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage is a route visiting 33 sacred Kannon sites scattered mainly across the Kinki region, and is said to be the oldest pilgrimage route in Japan.

It is said to have been started by Priest Tokudo in the Nara period and has a history of approximately 1,300 years.

The number '33' is based on the belief that Kannon Bodhisattva transforms into 33 different forms to save sentient beings.

It has been believed that by visiting all the temples on the pilgrimage, one's sins in this life are erased and rebirth in paradise is granted.

On social media, reports of people visiting temples 15 through 19 in a single day can be seen, and courses including Kiyomizu-dera seem popular as efficient pilgrimage routes.

Regarding Goshuin (temple seals), in addition to the standard seal, you can receive several types, such as those for 'Amida Nyorai' and 'Thousand-armed Kannon'.

The beauty of their designs is a hot topic on social media, and many worshippers were seen enjoying collecting them.

Zuigu-do Hall 'Womb Pilgrimage': Encountering your true wishes in the darkness

The first place I visited during my pilgrimage to Kiyomizu-dera was the Zuigu-do Hall.

Here, you can experience the 'Womb Pilgrimage,' where you walk through the space beneath the floor, which is likened to the womb of the hidden Buddha, Great Zuigu Bodhisattva.

I paid the 100-yen admission fee and stepped into the hall.

The moment I took a step forward, my vision was literally enveloped in pitch blackness.

In the darkness where nothing can be seen, the only thing I could rely on was the rosary-shaped handrail I touched with my left hand.

Following the handrail, I moved forward slowly, one step at a time.

I felt as though that time was a moment to deeply reflect on my own inner self.

Usually, we rely on our vision to process a great deal of information.

Here, that is completely taken away.

Precisely because I could not see, my consciousness turned toward the sensation of my feet, the touch of my hands, and the sound of my breathing.

It was a mysterious time, cut off from the outside world and facing only my inner self.

As I proceeded through the darkness, a faint light eventually appeared ahead.

Walking toward that light and finally reaching the Zuigu-seki stone, I strangely felt a refreshing sensation, as if I had been "reborn."

The Womb Pilgrimage is recommended during early mornings or weekdays when it is less crowded.

I feel that it is only in a quiet environment that one can truly face oneself deeply.

The Main Hall and the Stage of Kiyomizu: The Spirit of "Mutual Support" Taught by Kake-zukuri

Leaving the Zuigu-do Hall behind, I headed toward the Main Hall, the symbol of Kiyomizu-dera.

The day was blessed with clear weather, and the magnificent figure of the Main Hall stood out even more under the blue sky.

There were many travelers from abroad on the temple grounds, and various languages were being spoken.

I once again realized the popularity of Kiyomizu-dera, which attracts people from all over the world as a tourist destination representing Kyoto.

The Main Hall, known as the "Stage of Kiyomizu," is built as if it is protruding over a cliff.

Its structure is called "Kake-zukuri" or "Butai-zukuri" (stage construction) and is supported by 139 massive zelkova pillars.

Surprisingly, not a single nail is used in this structure.

Through woodworking techniques known as 'tsugite' (joints) and 'shiguchi' (interlocking joints), the pillars and beams support one another, creating a robust structure capable of withstanding earthquakes and typhoons.

I stand on the stage and look down at the cityscape of Kyoto.

The crisp, clear air of a winter day in December allowed me to see all the way to the distant mountain ranges.

The view from this stage, which stands about 13 meters high, offers a sense of liberation that words cannot fully express.

Looking down at my feet, I am reminded once again that this vast stage is supported by countless pillars.

Each individual pillar fulfills its own role while contributing to the structure as a whole.

I felt that this form has something in common with our daily lives.

Our lives, too, are built upon many invisible 'supports'.

The efforts of family, friends, colleagues at work, and even people whose names we do not know.

It is through the complex intertwining and mutual support of these things that we are able to spend each day.

Looking up at the pillars of the kake-zukuri (stilt-style) construction, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for such things that we often take for granted.

Otowa Waterfall: Choosing the blessing you need from three streams

After descending from the main hall and walking down the stone steps, you arrive at the 'Otowa Waterfall,' from which the temple takes its name.

This waterfall, where three streams of clear water flow down the rock face, is the origin of Kiyomizu-dera.

The history of Kiyomizu-dera began about 1,200 years ago when the monk Enchin discovered the source of this waterfall and enshrined Kannon.

It is said that each of the three streams offers a different benefit.

・Left: Academic success

・Center: Success in love

・Right: Longevity

The important thing here is not to be greedy and drink from all three streams.

The proper etiquette is to choose only one and take just one sip.

This time, I chose the water on the far right, for 'longevity'.

I catch the water with the ladle and take a sip.

As the crisp, cold spring water passed through my throat, I felt as if the sediment in my heart was being washed away.

I didn't choose 'longevity' simply because I want to live a long time.

I want to live healthily and be true to myself as the days go by.

That was the wish I poured into my choice.

Quietly discerning 'what I need most right now' from many options.

I felt that this was an important attitude for walking through life that this waterfall taught me.

Amidado Hall and Hidden Highlights: A Space of Silence Away from the Bustle

Leaving Otowa Waterfall behind, I walked a little further to the Amidado Hall located at the back of the main hall.

The Amidado Hall is a place associated with Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect.

It is said that after descending from Mount Hiei, Honen Shonin chanted the Nembutsu here for the first time in Japan in 1175.

In contrast to the stage of the main hall, the Amidado Hall is wrapped in silence.

There were few visitors, and I was able to press my hands together in prayer at my own pace.

I had seen comments on social media saying it was a place to 'find peace away from the bustle of the Kiyomizu stage,' and it was exactly that kind of space.

The grounds of Kiyomizu-dera are dotted with several such 'hidden gems' that only those in the know are aware of.

Among repeat visitors who come repeatedly as part of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, it seems that the joy of visiting these quiet places, not just the main hall, is also cherished.

Inner Realizations: 'Passing Through Darkness' and 'Making Choices'

Through this visit to Kiyomizu-dera, I had two important realizations.

The first was the experience of 'passing through the darkness' during the Womb Pilgrimage.

To be honest, moving forward while my vision was completely blocked was unsettling.

However, as I moved forward step by step, relying on the handrail, my heart strangely calmed down.

And the moment I saw a faint light at the end of the darkness, a sense of conviction welled up in me that 'even in difficult times, if you keep moving forward, you will surely see the light.'

Life also has periods that feel like a struggle in the dark where you cannot see what lies ahead.

Perhaps in such times, it is important to rely on the sensation of your own footsteps and move forward one step at a time.

The second was the experience of 'choosing one' at the Otowa Waterfall.

Choosing the one thing I need right now from the three streams.

Instead of being greedy and trying to get everything, I must discern what is truly important to me.

I felt that this practice is a piece of wisdom that also applies to daily life.

The attitude of subtraction, 'warding off evil,' which I felt at Yasaka Shrine last time, and the attitude of narrowing down, 'choosing one,' which I felt this time.

I think both teach us the importance of discerning the essence rather than addition.

Despite being in a bustling tourist spot, Kiyomizu-dera was a place that provided quiet and deep insights.

Summary

Kiyomizu-dera was not just a tourist attraction.

It is a sacred site of Kannon that has continued to accept the prayers of many people, regardless of their status, throughout its history of over 1,200 years.

I feel that the power to settle and regenerate people's hearts still dwells in that space today.

In the Womb Pilgrimage, through the experience of moving through the darkness, I learned the meaning of 'getting through difficulties,'

And at the Kiyomizu Stage, while looking up at the 139 pillars, I learned the spirit of 'supporting one another.'

At Otowa Waterfall, through the practice of choosing one of the three streams, I feel I was quietly taught the importance of 'discerning the essence of things'.

It felt as though each location offered its own quiet lesson.

Even though it is a place visited by people from all over the world, the moment one puts their hands together in prayer, it becomes a quiet time for everyone to face themselves.

I believe that this 'coexistence of bustle and tranquility' is what makes Kiyomizu-dera Temple unique, having welcomed people to this site for 1,200 years.

Please check the official website for the latest information.

Next time, I will bring you information about Kamo Mioya Shrine.

Thank you for reading until the end.

I hope this article gently nudges you toward your next journey.

I wish you a wonderful day.

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