Kiyomizu Kannon-dō Temple — Attraction in Tokyo

Avoid or look & don’t buy.

I used to like this temple a lot. It’s in Ueno park, beautiful and with a rich history.

But one day I decided to get their Goshuin and I feel a bit sour since…

First. The woman who did the Goshuin was talking with people and it took me a while to grab her attention. Other people were also waiting.

Secondly. For those who usually get Goshuin you will know that it can take quite a while as it’s a meticulous art. Well I am not exaggerating when I say I had barely the time to put my wallet back in my bag and sit that she handed it back to me. She took less than 2 minutes and it shows. Even in the busiest and famous temple, I have never waited such little time. Even the printed one where they only write the date don’t feel as quick…

I was wondering if I was exaggerating so I showed it to three friends. One said it was a modern take before admitting it was pretty bad. One called it a catastrophe. And the last one asked me where I got it so she could avoid ruining her book.

I’m SERIOUSLY considering covering it up because each time I look at it I just feel sad… What a nice way to commemorate a temple I really liked…

Anyway, here is a picture of the Goshuin from this temple compared to two others. I will let you guess which one is which. I also went back to take a picture of their printed version. I think that with closed eyes I could do something more similar.

Ps : I also found her rude. I spoke in formal Japanese to her and she answered in a casual tone which is VERY...

PROS ➕ Ancient Buddist Temple ➕ Easy access from Ueno park ➕ Great view from the balcony

CONS ➖ None

Date visited: 04/29/2024

It’s hard to miss this piece of history when you step into Ueno Park. That rich, red color catches the sunlight just right, drawing the eyes of anyone passing by, myself included.

I don’t know much about it, to be honest, and strangely, this is the first Buddhist temple I’ve ever visited during my stay in Tokyo. But my friend, who has been my guide on this trip, filled in what I was missing, helping me see a little more of the culture behind it.

The temple is simple, really, with a main hall where people gather to worship. Near the entrance, there’s a small gift shop selling charms and keepsakes, even the traditional Goshuin seal.

Standing in the main hall, I noticed a strange tree with a branch that looped in a perfect circle. It looked almost surreal, as if it had been placed there just to be noticed. Wrapped in white cloth or bandages, it reminded me of something out of a video game in the souls-like genre. I didn’t see it at first, but I caught it later, when people started posing for pictures by it.

There’s a peaceful simplicity here: benches scattered around, a water fountain for washing hands, feet, and mouths. Some people even drink from it, perhaps finding something special in that moment.

I’m drawn to places like this. They’re quiet, less crowded, yet they hold a charm...

Kiyomizu shrine Founded in 1631, it is part of the once-important Kanyeji temple complex built on the orders of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, with whose name the history of Tokyo is directly connected. The Kiyomizu shrine, preserved from its former glory, is dedicated to the thousand-armed Kannon. Traditionally, women who dream of a child come here to pray. After their prayers are answered, the happy family brings a doll to the altar. On September 25, a special ceremony is held at the temple during which the dolls brought are burned as an offering to the merciful Kannon. The site of Kaneiji Shrine was not chosen by chance: it was assumed that evil spirits would appear from the northeast, and Kaneiji was meant to protect the city and the shogun dynasty itself. Another of the few structures that remain of the Kaneiji temple complex is the five-story 17th-century pagoda. It is truly a gem inside Ueno park and you have to visit this ancient shrine. You can get here by walk from Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku lines and the Ginza Line of the Tokyo Subway, also short walk from Ueno-mae Station on the...