Kiyomizu Kannon-do(in Tokyo) – Introducing Goshuin Information, Blessings, and History!!

What is Kiyomizu Kannon-do?

Kiyomizu Kannon-do, located within Ueno Park, is a temple modeled after the famous Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, featuring a stage-like structure. It is famously depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government, Kiyomizu Kannon-do is also regarded as one of Ueno’s most powerful spiritual spots, offering various blessings to visitors.

Blessings and Deities

Kiyomizu Kannon-do enshrines ‘Senju Kannon Bosatsu’ (Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva) as its principal deity. It is said to have been relocated from Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, and the statue enshrined here is believed to have been created by Eshin Sozu, a high priest of Mount Hiei in the Heian period, and offered as a sacred dedication.

History

・Kiyomizu Kannon-do was established in the 8th year of the Kan’ei era (1631) by the founder of the Tendai sect’s Tōeizan Kan’ei-ji, the Great Priest Jigen Daishi Tenkai.
・Initially built on “Suribachi-yama” within Ueno Park, it was relocated to its current site in the 7th year of the Genroku era (1694), making it the oldest existing building in Ueno with a clear founding date.
・From December of the 2nd year of the Heisei era (1990), cultural heritage preservation and repairs were carried out, and it was completed in its current form in October of the 8th year of the Heisei era (1996).
・The principal deity enshrined is the ‘Senju Kannon Bosatsu’ (Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva). The 40 arms, representing the deity’s ability to reach out with compassion to all living beings in every world, embody the Buddhist teaching of offering mercy to all creatures. Additionally, the side deity enshrined to the right of the main deity is the ‘Kosodate Kannon’ (Child-Rearing Kannon), widely revered as the protector of fertility, safe childbirth, and child-rearing.

Access to Kiyomizu Kannon-do

Kiyomizu Kannon-do‘s Goshuin

The Kiyomizu Kannon-do goshuin (temple seal) features a powerful inscription of ‘Senju Kannon’ (Thousand-Armed Kannon). The goshuin can be obtained inside the main hall, at a window located immediately to the left after your visit.

Visiting Report on Kiyomizu Kannon-do！！

‘Tsuki no Matsu’ from the ‘Famous Views of Edo’ series

here was a ‘Moon Pine’ with branches that twist into a rounded shape! This Moon Pine is also depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s ‘Famous Views of Edo’ series.

Doll Memorial Monument

 

Kiyomizu Kannon-do has a Kannon deity known as ‘Kosodate Kannon,’ who is believed to grant wishes to those seeking blessings for children. When a child is born, people offer dolls in the hope that their child will grow up strong and healthy. This stone monument was erected to honor and memorialize the donated dolls.

Autumn-colored Cherry Blossom

Ueno has been known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. A poem by ‘O-Aki,’ the daughter of a confectionery shop in Nihonbashi during the Edo period, is inscribed on a stone monument.

Summary

Thank you for reading.
Please do visit the charming Kiyomizu Kannon-do!