Main Hall, Kiyomizu-dera

The Main Hall of Kiyomizu-dera is a national treasure and the heart of the temple in Higashiyama. The structure rises on wooden pillars above a slope, showcasing the traditional kakezukuri construction method where beams are cleverly interlocked to create stability without nails.

The hall was built as a sanctuary for worshipping the goddess Kannon and ranks among the oldest surviving structures of its kind in Japan. Its building style and construction techniques influenced many Buddhist temples that came after it in the region and beyond.

The main hall is a working space for Buddhist worship where visitors from around the world come to bow and make offerings. The room shows how spirituality is woven into the daily experience of the temple and its many guests.

Visitors enter the hall from the front via wooden platforms that provide a stable path through the sanctuary. It is best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays when there are fewer people around.

The hall rests on tall wooden pillars that are not anchored into the ground but instead sit freely on rocks, making it appear to float. This bold design concept was revolutionary and allowed the temple to be built on its hillside location without requiring massive foundations.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Inception: 1633

Architectural style: kakezukuri

Part of: Kiyomizu-dera

Address: 京都府京都市東山区清水一丁目

Website: https://kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/learn/#MAIN_HALL

GPS coordinates: 34.99482,135.78490

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:05