

Niomon Gate / Kiyomizu-dera
The Niomon Gate of Kiyomizu-dera is the main gate of this temple, and it has a long history. The Niomon Gate, built in 1633, serves as an important entrance when entering the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, welcoming visitors. The gate gets its name from the statues of Kongo Rikishi (Nio guardians) enshrined on either side of it. These statues are known as Buddhist guardian deities and are believed to protect the gate. The Niomon Gate is a wooden two-story tower gate with a thatched roof. Its beautiful vermilion exterior is distinctive, and on either side of the gate stand Kongo Rikishi statues, each about 8 meters tall. These statues appear to be watching over the gate with stern expressions. Typically, when visiting Kiyomizu-dera, one passes through the Niomon Gate, from which one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city and the surrounding natural scenery. The Niomon Gate of Kiyomizu-dera is a structure that combines historical value with beauty.