In Japan, there are several temples called Kiyomizu-dera, but Kyoto - the most famous of them. His full name - Otovasan Kiyomizu-dera, or Temple of clean water. This Buddhist complex in the area of ​​Higashiyama became so called because of the waterfall, which is located on its territory. It is believed that this source of water has healing powers.

The temple was founded in 778 by a monk named Entin. There are two versions of its construction. According to one legend, the monk appeared in a dream the goddess Kannon and ordered to live near a waterfall Started. Entin laid monastic settlement in the mountains, and then met the hunted there, but the shogun Sakanoue Tamuramaro. Prayers are offered up to the goddess Kannon Entin helped cure the sick wife of the shogun and himself to win the campaign. In gratitude, the shogun in the year 798 built a temple on Mount Started, which became the main structure of the monastery. According to another legend, the temple emerged from behind the shogun's wife, who repented of their sins, ordered to demolish their property and in its place build a Buddhist temple. Shogun, who won in a military campaign, ordered to turn their residence to the temple of the monastery.

At the beginning of the IX century, the monastery became the property of the imperial court and obtained the right to conduct official prayers for the health of the emperor's family. Around the same time, the temple and acquired its current name.

At the end of the next century Kiyomizu-dera was under the control of one of the largest Buddhist monasteries of the country - Kofuku-ji. This monastery was in a state of hostility with the abode enryaku-ji. Clashes between them are often held with arms Monastery Kiyomizu-dera repeatedly subjected to pogroms. The most heavily Kiyomizu-dera suffered in 1165, when the monks enryaku-ji burned the main temple and other buildings. Kiyomizu-dera many times turned to ashes, but his rebuilt.

Buildings that can be seen today, were built in 1633. In the temple complex, which is a national cultural asset, it includes a prayer hall, Pagoda, the main temple with a statue of the goddess Kannon, shed for bells and other facilities.

Descriptions monastery Kiyomizu-dera and its ceremonies are common works of Japanese literature XI-XIII centuries, dramatic and comedic plays are used in productions of traditional theater Kabuki and Bunraku.