Hello, this is the staff of The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa.
One of the best sightseeing spots in Kyoto is Otowayama Kiyomizu-dera Temple known by almost everyone. It is a famous temple where you can enjoy the view from the famous Kiyomizu-no-butai (wooden stage), the beautiful Hondo (main hall) viewed from the inner sanctuary, shopping in the Monzenmachi (gate town), and other Kyoto sightseeing pleasures. The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa offers a special viewing for guests to learn more about Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kyoto.

What is Kiyomizu-dera Temple?

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the head temple of the Northern Hosso sect of Buddhism. Originally, it belonged to the Nara Buddhist sect called Hosso, and during the medieval and early modern periods, it was a subordinate temple of Kofuku-ji, the head temple of the Hosso sect. However, in 1965, under the leadership of the then-head priest of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ryokei Onishi, the Northern Hosso sect was established, and the temple has been continuously promoting its friendly and accessible presence in the local community.
It takes about 25 minutes from The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by bus or 30 minutes on foot.

What you can experience

• A private tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, with a direct conversation with Shoin Onishi, Monk of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• A visit to important cultural properties and gardens in Kiyomizu-dera Temple that are not usually open to the public.
• You can listen to Onishi’s Dharma talk in the main auditorium, which welcomes VIPs from around the world.

The flow of the special viewing

On this special tour, you will join Shoin Onishi, Monk of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, follow the same tour route as general visitors, and also visit areas that are not open to the general public. The following is a brief description of what you will actually be able to see!

6:00 am Meet at Nio-mon

You will meet Shoin Onishi at 6:00 am in front of Nio-mon, the symbol at the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The clear air of spring and summer and the dark, mysterious atmosphere of fall and winter are both worlds that cannot be experienced during the daytime. Being able to witness this atmosphere will make your experience even more memorable.

Nio-mon is a tower gate with a 10-meter front, 5-meter side, and 14-meter-high

roof, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

6:05 am Visit the Sai-mon (West gate) *normally closed to the public

The Sai-mon (West gate) is said to have originally been used as an imperial envoy gate. This is also designated as an Important Cultural Property and is normally closed to the public. The Sai-mon, which commands a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, is said to be a sanctuary for Nissokan (Buddhist meditation training that involves contemplation of the beauty of the sun). The view of the city of Kyoto in the clear early morning air is so beautiful that one would want to stay and gaze at it forever, making the experience a refreshing one!

6:20 am Visit the National Treasure, the Hondo (Main Hall)

After enjoying the breathtaking view from the Sai-mon you will move on to the Hondo (main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple). The Hondo is designated as a National Treasure. When you think of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the Hondo and the Kiyomizu-no-butai (wooden stage). Here, you will learn the origins of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, why there is a stage, and whether the saying “jump off the Kiyomizu-no-butai” is true. We were able to enjoy seeing the temple with our own eyes while listening to various episodes about the temple’s origins, why it has a stage, and learn about the proverb “jump off the Kiyomizu-no-butai”.

6:30 am Visit the Inner Sanctum of the Hondo *usually closed to the public

The principal image of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the thousand-armed Kannon, a special type of Kannon called the Kiyomizu-style Thousand-armed Kannon. Normally, visitors can only worship in the outer sanctuary, but on this special visit, you can view the inner sanctuary (normally closed to the public), which is further inside the sanctuary than the outer sanctuary. This is a time to empty your heart and offer prayers in a place closer to the Kannon. It is an extraordinary experience.

6:50 am Enjoy the View from Okuno-in Hall

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for the beautiful view of the Hondo from Okuno-in Hall. It is a very popular photo spot, so many people visit the temple during the daytime. However, since this special visit is held early in the morning, you can move smoothly and take pictures! The view of the Hondo’s suspended stage from Okuno-in Hall is breathtaking, and one can’t help but marvel at the ancient Japanese building techniques.

7:00 am Visit Jojuin *not open to the public

Jojuin Temple is home to one of the best gardens in Kyoto, also known as Tsuki no Niwa (Moon Garden). Because it is usually closed to the public, many long-time Kyoto residents have never been inside. The fragrance of seasonal flowers and grasses, as you gaze upon the beautiful garden, will calm your soul. It is a very peaceful and beautiful experience that is beautiful in any season.

7:15 am Visit Bussoku-Seki *usually closed to the public

You will move to Kiyomizu-dera Temple Office to visit Bussoku-seki(Footprint of Buddha), an area that is not open to the public. This is a special experience to pray while looking at the Bussoku-seki, which is said to be a model of Buddha’s footprints, in a fantastic space with Buddha sitting on all four walls. Spending time in this beautiful space while listening to episodes about Buddhism is a unique experience. The conversation with Shoin Onishi was very enjoyable.

7:30 am Dharma Talk in the Main Auditorium

At the end of the special visit, you will listen to a Dharma talk by Shoin Onishi in the luxurious space of the main auditorium, which welcomes VIPs from all over the world. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a temple that people all over Japan and the world have seen or heard of at least once. However, there are not many opportunities to hear about its history and beliefs. What kind of temple is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, what kind of Buddhism is the Northern Hosso sect, and what kind of mindset is best for our daily lives… After listening to the lecture, your heart will surely be warmed and you will be energized for tomorrow!

The experience of visiting undisclosed spots in the sacred early morning air is a special experience that will completely change your impression of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. You will also learn a lot from Shoin Onishi’s very interesting and enjoyable talk, who answered our many questions in a very detailed manner.
The Kiyomizu-dera Temple Special Viewing is a special activity that many people should definitely try once.

Please check out the website of The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa for more details.