Text by Alex
As one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall has been under renovation for over three years and is set to reopen almost fully this autumn. As in previous years, the temple will specially open its doors to the public at night during the fall season. However, rather than focusing on worship, visitors seem more drawn to the temple’s world-renowned autumn foliage.
▲ After more than three years of renovation, the scaffolding around Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall has finally been removed, revealing the stunning crimson foliage in all its glory. (Photo by taku05187 @Twitter)
Illuminated by carefully designed lighting, the autumn leaves appear even more vividly red. Against the surrounding darkness, the main hall seems to float atop a sea of fire, creating a breathtaking spectacle. During the special nighttime worship hours, a beam of blue “compassionate light” also shines over Kiyomizu-dera. Symbolizing the compassion of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin), it gently envelops the entire city of Kyoto, adding a sacred ambiance to the temple at night.
▲ The “compassionate light” symbolizes the mercy of the Goddess of Mercy. (Photo by tadashi04042000 @IG)
Kiyomizu-dera’s large-scale 50-year renovation began in March 2017, primarily focusing on the roof and the structure of the main hall. During the renovation period, the main hall was entirely surrounded by scaffolding, with only the stage in front—the Kiyomizu Stage—left exposed, allowing worshippers to continue entering the main hall as usual. In February of this year, the roof renovation was completed, and the scaffolding surrounding the main hall was removed. However, starting in the summer of 2020, the replacement of the stage floorboards began. Photos show the Kiyomizu Stage enclosed by fences and covered with tarpaulins, and it remains closed to the public. The temple has not yet set a definitive completion date for the entire renovation project, but it is generally estimated to take another three to four years.
▲ Kiyomizu-dera is also a great spot to view the city of Kyoto. (Photo by rongille @IG)
▲ Three-story Pagoda (Photo by hira_megane0305 @IG)
▲ Niomon Gate (left) and the West Gate (right). (Photo by nyaoayn @Twitter)
▲ Three-story Pagoda and its reflection. (Photo by nyaoayn @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by Hisa0808 @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by usalica @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by usalica @Twitter)
Source: Matcha