Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's top tourist attractions, is dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Mercy. This year the temple is holding gokaicho, a special showing of the temple's honzon (main Buddhist image) through Dec. 3.
The historic statue depicts Juichi-men Senju Kannon, whose 11 faces symbolize the bodhisattva's watchfulness for suffering beings in need of help, which the multiple arms reach out to extend.
The special showing for the public is permitted only every 33 years, based on a teaching in the Kannon Sutra, and a number of events celebrating the occasion are taking place at the temple.
The honzon itself can also be seen in the evening Nov. 1-Dec. 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (400 yen, 200 yen). Among other events, a parade of a blue dragon will take place Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. from the Main Hall to the gate, followed by a memorial service.
From Oct. 1-20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., fusuma-e paintings dedicated to the Jojuin, one of the subsidiary temples within Kiyomizu, will be shown to the public (1,000 yen adults, 400 yen children) and its garden, known as "Moon Garden," will be open to the public Nov. 1-Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 6:30-9 p.m. (600 yen, 300 yen).
Other exhibitions at the Jojuin hall will include fiber art by three Kyoto-based artists, Oct. 4-18; Yuzen-dyed kimono, Oct. 25-Nov. 6; and portraits of 100 noted Kyoto personalities, Nov. 11-Dec. 3.
Artists are dedicating performances, including the Chinese erhu (two-string fiddle) Oct. 3, a cello recital Nov. 5 and rakugo storytelling Nov. 19.
Noted Japanese personalities are holding a panel discussion every Saturday afternoon.