Kiyomizu-Zaka Street Live Cam

History

Kiyomizu-Zaka Street, a charming sloped path leading to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, represents one of the most historic and culturally significant walking routes in Kyoto. Located in the Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu-Zaka has served as the main approach to Kiyomizu-dera for centuries, and its development mirrors the growth of the temple and surrounding area. The street itself is steeped in the atmosphere of traditional Japan, flanked by Edo-period style buildings, machiya townhouses, and artisan shops that have existed for generations.

Historically, the street gained prominence during the Heian period, when Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778. As pilgrims and courtiers traveled to the temple to seek blessings and spiritual healing, Kiyomizu-Zaka emerged as a bustling thoroughfare. In the medieval era, it became lined with tea houses, souvenir shops, and inns catering to travelers. Merchants began selling local crafts, religious items such as omamori charms, and sweets like yatsuhashi, a traditional Kyoto confection. This created a commercial ecosystem that thrived on the spiritual draw of the temple.