Kiyomizudera Temple
is really Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto, Kyoto
Real place, still recognisable
Real-world photo: Wikimedia Commons
How close does the game get to the real place?
In the game
Kiyomizudera 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 cherry blossom on the slope beyond.
The real place
Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778. Its main hall was rebuilt in 1633 by order of the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, and the famous stage, about 13 metres above the slope, rests on a frame of wooden pillars put together without nails. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.
Visiting
The temple opens at 6 am, and the early hours are the only quiet time here. For the classic view of the stage, walk on past the main hall to the viewpoint near Okunoin, and come in spring or autumn for the cherry blossom and red maples.
Kiyomizu-dera is also in Assassin's Creed Shadows. See all 2 games side by side
More from games in Kyoto: 10 real places on one map
Pilgrim photos
Screenshots from the game and photos of Kiyomizu-dera, sent in by players. Most liked first.
No pilgrim photos yet. Played the game or been to Kiyomizu-dera? Share the first one.
Share your photo of Kiyomizudera TempleA screenshot from the game or a photo of the real place. Both are welcome.
Tips from pilgrims
No tips yet. Been to Kiyomizu-dera? Leave the first one for the next pilgrim.