b) Description and inventory

D. Kiyomizu-dera Kiyomizu-dera was first built as a private Buddhist temple in 780. In 805 the temple and its precincts were declared an imperial temple by Emperor Kanmu. After the foundation of the temple, it burned down and was reconstructed 9 times. Except for buildings which survived the fires of 1629, namely the Umatodome (horse stalls, built in the late 15th century), Niomon (gate of Deva Kings, late 15th century) and Shoro (bell tower, 1607), all of the buildings were reconstructed in the 1630's. Such Buddhist buildings as the Saimon (west gate), Sanjunoto (three-storied pagoda), Kyodo (sutra hall), Tamurado (founder's hall), Asakurado (hall), Hondo (main hall) and Amidado (Amida Buddha hall) are arranged from west to east. To the west of the Hondo is located the Todorokimon (middle gate). To the north of the Hondo is the Jishu-jinja, a Shinto shrine guarding Kiyomizu-dera. To the south of the Amidado stands the Okunoin (innermost temple) and to the north, the Shakado (Shaka Buddha hall). The present arrangement was completed by the end of the 15th century. In the second half of the 18th century, the Hondo was repaired, and in the mid-19th century, all of the buildings at the temple underwent repair. In the modern age, the Hondo was dismantled and repaired in 1898; the Saimon was partly dismantled and repaired in 1914 and in 1951; and the Shakado was also dismantled and repaired in 1975. Jishu-jinja was re-roofed and repainted in 1976 and roofing of Koyasunoto (pagoda) was replaced in 1978. In addition, during the execution of partial dismantling and repair work on the Sanjunoto (D6) in 1986 and the re-roofing and repair work on the Saimon (D5) in 1993, careful investigations were made to identify the coloration and its patterns on the interior and exterior surfaces of the buildings. Because of the serious deterioration and discoloration due to weathering, it was decided to restore the exterior surfaces of these buildings to the lively colors of their original state. The Hondo (D1), designated as a National Treasure, was reconstructed in 1633. This large building, constructed on the slope of a mountain, is so situated that its front half rests on a stage-like platform. The building, the style of which is called kake-zukuri, is built on a base structure of tall pillars connected by a framework of rails. Inside the central building is the naijin (sanctuary) paved with stones, and the gejin (worship hall) with a wooden plank floor. The roof, built in a hipped roof style, is made of cypress bark shingles. Both the structural framework of the building and simple plan arrangement inherit their form from the Heian Period. In addition to the Hondo, designated as a National Treasure, are 18 Important Cultural Properties, including the Sanjunoto, the Honden (main shrine building) and the Haiden (worship hall) of Jishu-jinja. The Jojuin Teien (garden), which is a shakkei (borrowed scenery) style garden of the early Edo Period is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty.

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