Seiryu-e Blue Dragon Ceremony
Kiyomizu-dera · HigashiyamaKeihan 「清水五条」Station · about 25 min walk; City Bus 「五条坂」stop · about 10 min walkOpen in Google Maps ↗
A spectacular Buddhist procession held only three times a year, honouring the Blue Dragon — guardian of Kyoto’s east and an avatar of Kannon. A dragon over 10 metres long dances through the temple precinct and approach street, accompanied by figures in lavish costumes designed by Oscar-winner Emi Wada. Held on the afternoon of 15 October; roadside viewing on the approach street is free.
Before you go
The Blue Dragon (Seiryu) is one of the four directional guardians protecting Kyoto’s east, revered at Kiyomizu-dera as an incarnation of the Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon. The Seiryu-e procession is a purification and blessing ritual held only three times a year (15 March, 3 April and 15 October).
- An articulated dragon over 10 metres long parades to the booming sound of drums and conch horns
- The intricate costumes of the heavenly kings and guardian spirits were created by the late Oscar-winning costume designer Emi Wada and Kyoto master craftsmen
- Held only three times a year — 15 October is the sole autumn date
- 14:00 DepartureLeaves Okunoin, passing in front of Jishu Shrine, Otowa Waterfall, Kyodo, the Three-Story Pagoda and the West Gate
- 14:30 Town ProcessionDescends the stone steps into the Kiyomizu-zaka shopping street, then returns via Niomon Gate to the Main Hall, finishing around 15:30
- Emi WadaCostume DesignerThe renowned Oscar-winning costume designer created the costumes for the procession's four heavenly kings and guardian spirits
- Getting there
- City bus to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi, then about 10 minutes uphill on foot; about 25 minutes on foot from Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Station.
- Booking
- No reservation needed. Viewing along the approach street and below the stone steps is free; entering the Main Hall and stage area needs the regular temple admission (check the official page).
- Crowds
- The descent down the stone steps into the narrow shopping street around 14:30 draws the thickest crowds; find a curbside spot early.
- Good for
- Anyone in Kyoto on 15 October, photography enthusiasts, and visitors keen to witness living Buddhist ceremonial pageantry.
- Route timings may shift slightly depending on precinct conditions
- The approach street is narrow and steep; watch your footing and follow staff directions
- Held only on the afternoon of 15 October; the next run will be in March
- Address (for taxis)
- 京都府京都市東山区清水1丁目294