Kiyomizu Kannon-do

A quiet Buddhist temple in Ueno Park

Sher Ying Wee Jun 15, 2013 - 1 min read

Coming in from JR Ueno Station, there are signs that will direct you to the temple. But keep a careful eye on them, as they may not be clear at times.

A plaque offering visitors information on the history of Kiyomozu Kannon-do. Another interesting historical fact: the temple survived both the 1868 battle between Imperial and Shogunate forces and the bombings during World War II.

Enshrined in the temple is the Senju Kannon (Thousand Armed Goddess of Mercy) and the Kosodate Kannon (Goddess of Child-rearing). The latter is often visited by ladies who wish for children.

This part of the temple was not open to visitors.

The temizuya (purification fountain) for visitors to rinse their hands and mouths upon entering the grounds.

It really feels as if the dragon is blessing the water at the temizuya.

Hydrangeas (ajisai) bloom in late spring. There are also some beautiful cherry blossom spots nearby if you’re visiting in early spring.

An interesting tree named Moon Pine (Tsuki no Matsu). It really resembles a moon with clouds around it! The famous Japanese painter, Hiroshige, included this tree in his series of ukiyo-e prints, One Hundred Famous View of Edo.

From the temple, you'll be able to see Benten-do and the pond.

The view from the bottom of the temple looks stunning in the daytime, though it might be a bit of a climb (up and down). The Moon Pine tree is clearly seen from this point of view.

On a bright May weekday afternoon in a quiet corner of Ueno Park, the peace at Kiyomizu Kannon-do (Kiyomizu Kannon Temple) was uninterrupted despite the steady stream of visitors to the temple. Kiyomizu Kannon-do in Ueno was built in the image of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto on a smaller scale. This temple is now recognized as a national treasure and one of the oldest surviving temples in Tokyo. It's worth a visit if you’re in the park and want to avoid the crowds for a while.

Sher Ying Wee @sher.ying.wee

I like taking photographs on travels, but am oddly not good at the traveling bit itself. Please enjoy and view the photos as if it were you with your camera on your own travels.