Kiyomizu-dera hosts Seiryu-e procession on 15 October
Published on 09/27/2026 at 08:54 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Kiyomizu-dera will host the Seiryu-e procession on 15 October 2026 in Kyoto, with the ceremony taking place at ??? (Kiyomizu-dera) and continuing through the temple grounds and gate area. The event is scheduled for about 2pm to 3.30pm, giving visitors a fixed autumn date at one of Japan’s best-known Buddhist temples.
Seiryu-e brings an 18-metre dragon to Kiyomizu-dera
The official programme lists Seiryu-e on 15 October, alongside the recurring dates of 15 March and 3 April. The procession begins at about 2pm from Okuno-in Hall, then moves towards Otowa Waterfall, Sai-mon Gate, the temple approach and Nio-mon before reaching the Main Hall at about 3.30pm. The temple’s English event page confirms the schedule and route.
An 18-metre blue dragon leads the procession. Participants in ceremonial dress accompany it while people chant “Namu-kannon” and pray for protection and good fortune. The dragon represents a manifestation of Kannon in the temple’s tradition, linking the autumn event to the site’s long-standing devotional role. The official Seiryu-e programme places the procession both inside the grounds and in the area before the gates.
The procession follows the temple’s historic route
The event’s movement from Okuno-in to the waterfall, gates and Main Hall is closely tied to the physical layout of the complex. The Main Hall stands on the steep slope of Mount Otowa, while Otowa Waterfall is the spring associated with the temple’s name. This means the procession connects several named parts of the site rather than occupying a separate festival venue.
The temple was founded in 778, according to its custodian. Its grounds cover 130,000 square metres on the mid-slope of Mount Otowa and contain 30 Buddhist buildings, including the National Treasure Main Hall. Most of the buildings now standing were reconstructed in 1633 after repeated fires. Kiyomizu-dera forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The temple’s history page records these dates and designations.
October’s Seiryu-e links faith, water and the gates
Seiryu-e is held as a prayer for regional protection and the removal of misfortune. Its route makes the connection visible: the dragon passes the waterfall, the west gate and the temple approach before returning to the principal worship buildings. For travellers, the practical distinction is important because the event is a moving procession, not a performance confined to the Main Hall stage.
Visiting Kiyomizu-dera: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Seiryu-e takes place at Kiyomizu-dera on 15 October 2026, with the procession scheduled from about 2pm to 3.30pm.
- The route begins at Okuno-in Hall and passes Otowa Waterfall, Sai-mon Gate, the temple approach and Nio-mon before reaching the Main Hall.
- From Kyoto Station, city bus routes 100 and 206 serve Gojozaka, followed by a walk of about 10 minutes. The temple’s access information also lists Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, from which the approach is on foot.
- The site lies on the mid-slope of Mount Otowa, and the approach includes uphill streets and steps around the temple complex.
- Japan’s official language is Japanese and its national currency is the yen.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Kiyomizu-dera
When does Seiryu-e take place at Kiyomizu-dera?
The autumn procession takes place on 15 October 2026, from about 2pm to 3.30pm.
What is Seiryu-e at Kiyomizu-dera?
It is a procession led by an 18-metre blue dragon, with participants praying for protection and good fortune.
Where is Kiyomizu-dera and how do you get there?
The temple is in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area. City buses 100 and 206 reach Gojozaka from Kyoto Station, followed by an uphill walk of about 10 minutes.
