EN#3 | Kiyomizu-dera: Why Build a Stage on a Cliff? (Kyoto)

In Japanese, "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu" means to make a bold decision.

Why would anyone jump from a stage 13 meters high? And why was the stage built on a cliff in the first place? The answer lies with Kannon, the Buddhist figure of compassion honored at this temple.

▼ In this episode

- Where the name "Kiyomizu" comes from, and the warrior who helped build the temple

- The secret of a giant wooden stage built without a single nail

- Shrines vs. temples: how to tell them apart, and how to pray at each

- Who is Kannon, and why did so many people turn to Kannon for help?

- Tips for your visit: the guardian lion-dogs, the best view of the stage, and the Otowa Waterfall

▼ Chapters

00:00 Opening

01:26 A temple born from clear water

04:18 Shrines and temples

06:09 Who is Kannon?

07:35 Why people turned to Kannon

09:28 Tips for your visit

11:01 Ending

▼ Next episode

EN#4 | Sanjusangen-do: Why Are There 1,001 Statues of Kannon? (Kyoto)

▼ Host

Taiki Arai | An English coach based in Fukui, Japan, currently studying to become a licensed tour guide.

▼ Tour guide requests & messages

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