About
Kiyomizu-dera Gifu is a Buddhist temple set on a hillside in Ibigawa, in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is also known as Kiyomizu Temple. The address is 1739 Kamiokamoto, Ibigawa, Ibi District, Gifu 501-0619, and the temple can be reached by telephone on +81-585-22-2725.
What to expect
The temple is built into the slope of the hill, and its position is the first thing most visitors notice. From the grounds there are panoramic views over the surrounding valleys, so a visit suits anyone who enjoys looking out over a landscape as much as walking through old buildings.
The temple is known for its wooden stage architecture, a style of raised timber platform that appears in many Japanese temples. Seen against the hillside and the valleys beyond, the structure gives the site much of its character.
Seasons and evenings
The temple is also known for its seasonal illuminations. Lit up after dark, the buildings and grounds take on a different atmosphere from daytime, and the lights change with the season. If you are planning a visit around a particular time of year, it is worth checking with the temple directly by phone before you travel.
Planning your visit
- Allow time to walk the hillside and take in the views from more than one spot.
- Consider an evening visit if you want to see the seasonal illuminations.
- Ibigawa lies in Ibi District of Gifu Prefecture, so the temple suits a visit that also explores the wider prefecture.
- Call ahead on +81-585-22-2725 for current details about the illuminations and visiting arrangements.
For a visitor who wants a quiet temple with wooden architecture and wide valley views, Kiyomizu-dera Gifu makes a straightforward and rewarding stop.