Written by Aarohi
Bustling with visitors during the day, Kiyomizu-dera’s summer night viewing coincides with the solemn Sennichimairi, a special pilgrimage.
What happens?
During Sennichimairi, the main hall, or Hondō, remains open until 9:30 p.m., allowing visitors to experience the temple after dark. On these three special annual night viewings, worshippers are permitted to enter the inner sanctuary, which is normally closed to the public, to offer prayers directly to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion who is believed to hear and respond to the suffering of all beings.
The tradition of Sennichimairi is associated with making 1,000 prayers to Kannon over time, and visiting during this period is believed to carry special spiritual merit. The dates, August 14–16, also fall during Obon, the season when ancestral spirits are welcomed and honored in Japan.
During the night viewing, a single blue beam of light shines from the temple, symbolizing Kannon’s mercy extending outward into the world.
Pro tip: See here for Kiyomizu-dera’s spring and autumn opening events.
Schedule 2026
Last entry is 9 p.m.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
- 1.5 km from Keage Station Tōzai Line (T9)
- 1.5 km from Kiyomizu-Gojō Station Keihan Main Line (KH38)
- 1.5 km from Misasagi Station Tōzai Line (T8)
