11 Amazing Facts about Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto

10 Travel Facts about Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto

Interested in visiting Kyoto in Japan? Don’t miss Kiyomizu Temple which of course made my list of things to do in Kyoto. Here are some photos and facts for the traveler in numbers:

1. 4.5 million visitors come to Kiyomizu Temple every year – get there early if you want the temple to yourself.

2. 4,700 Buddhas tiles line the secret Buddha chamber which is not usually open to the public and where photography is forbidden. You might be able to arrange a tour if you call in advance.

3. 1,500 cherry trees in the grounds – come in spring to see the cherry blossom or to view the red, orange and yellow fall leaves in autumn.

4. Over 1,000 small, stone ancient buddha statues have been brought here from around Japan.

5. 1,000 maple trees growing.

Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, travel facts
6. 276 people have jumped off the temple walls because it’s believed to bring good luck – not recommended.

7. 80% of the jumpers survive.

8. 65 steps to climb to the top of the temple.

9. 30 buildings;

10. 10% of visitors have traveled from overseas;

11. 8 families live at Kiyomizu Temple. Including Egin Onishi, who shared his buddhist happiness secrets with me, and his family.

Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, travel facts

Visiting Kiyomizu Temple was one of the highlights of my trip to Kyoto. What building or monuments have captured your imagination on your travels?

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

11 Comments

  1. rob white August 20, 2012 at 10:47 pm - Reply

    I would say that the 80% who survived were indeed lucky!

    • Annabel Candy August 21, 2012 at 9:43 am - Reply

      Hi Rob,

      Lol, that’s true – maybe jumping’s a good way to find out if you’re lucky – or not…

  2. gabi klaf August 21, 2012 at 4:01 pm - Reply

    wow. love it annabel. i’m so into buddhism and admiring those committed to a life of living it. wow. photos are unreal. thank you for sharing. it’s now on my bucket list.

  3. Seana Smith August 21, 2012 at 5:08 pm - Reply

    Thank you for today’s fix of armchair travelling. I love blogs because we get words and pictures and so a great feel for a place. Very calming for this grumpy mum of four today.

    • Annabel Candy August 21, 2012 at 7:09 pm - Reply

      Hi Seana,

      That’s lovely the photos made you feel peaceful:)

  4. George August 21, 2012 at 6:58 pm - Reply

    I’m moving out to Japan in October trying to get in as much travel porn like this in before I go as possible. Super excited!

    • Annabel Candy August 21, 2012 at 7:10 pm - Reply

      Hi George,

      I’m excited for you too. Hope you make it to Kyoto and Kiyomizu Temple.

  5. Capodanno a Roma October 19, 2012 at 11:27 am - Reply

    Superb Pictures. I went there a couple of years back with a group of friends but we didn’t capture the city as beautifully as you did.
    Great Post .

  6. Manish June 18, 2013 at 5:17 pm - Reply

    I was really amazed by the sixth point and at a time, a thought came to my mind , Why not try to check how lucky i am…
    I have never been there but things sound interesting and would love to visit some day when i’ll have money..
    Thanx Anna

  7. Claire Heginbotham March 15, 2018 at 7:07 pm - Reply

    Jumped off the walls? Omg…
    I live near Kyoto right now, I think I’ll be taking a trip to see this temple!

Leave A Comment