Kiyomizu-dera in video games
The wooden stage over the hillside is rebuilt for two games set in Japan's samurai past. Kiyomizu-dera appears in 2 games on Pixel Pilgrimage: Assassin's Creed Shadows and Rise of the Ronin.
In real lifeThe games
In gameAssassin's Creed Shadows2025Kiyomizu-deraReal place, reimaginedA temple on a wooded hillside in Kyoto with a great hall on a wooden stage.Game vs real photo 
In gameRise of the Ronin2024Kiyomizudera TempleReal place, still recognisableKiyomizudera Temple is a landmark in Kyoto's Higashiyama district in Rise of the Ronin. The game's picture shows the main hall's wooden stage standing out over the hillside on its tall pillars, with a red pagoda and…Game vs real photo
The real place
Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778. The main hall and its famous wooden stage, built without nails, date from a rebuilding in 1633, after the game's time.
Visiting
Arrive at 6 am opening or near closing to avoid the crowds on the approach streets. In autumn and spring there are night openings with the stage lit up.
Kyoto in video games · All landmarks · Assassin's Creed Shadows · Rise of the Ronin