To get our next temple destination, we caught bus 206 from Kyoto station to the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop.
Then we walked a steep approach uphill for 10 minutes to reach the temple.
Then we walked a steep approach uphill for 10 minutes to reach the temple.
Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) is located in the east hills of Kyoto perched on Mount Otowa.
The temple derives its name from the pure waters of the nearby Otowa waterfall to which this temple is based.
First built in 798, the current buildings are reconstructions of the original and date from 1633.
In 1994 the temple was added as a UNESCO world heritage site, one of seventeen in Kyoto.
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| cool datsun |
If you ever visit this temple, aim to see Taiani-meguri which is located just before entering the temple grounds, on the left side of the entrance.
This is where, in darkness you descend down a cave guided by holding a rope to the bottom where you spin a stone to make a wish then ascend back up.
Doing this is symbolic of entering the womb of a female bodhisattva (person on the way to awakening) Daizuigu Bosatsu who has the ability to grant wishes.
Unfortunately this section was closed during our visit.
Unfortunately this section was closed during our visit.
Admission to the temple was free but 300Yen/A$3.10 for the main hall & beyond.
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
www.kiyomizudera.or.jp
The main hall and the veranda are supported by 139 13metre high pillars.
Both the main hall and veranda was constructed totally without the use of nails ! was/still is ? I don't know.
The main hall houses a priceless statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon Bodhisattva, the goddess of mercy.
From the verandah you can see views of the cherry & maple trees of the temple grounds below and views of Kyoto city in the horizon.
A previous tradition that is now prohibited, worshippers would jump off the 13m veranda, hoping to survive and in return be granted their wish.
Shortly after taking this photo I was ushered out of this area.
There was a barricade at the steps of this shrine, it must have said something like "this area is closed" but everyone else was going in, so why not.
It was probably good that it was closed, otherwise i'd have all the other tourists interfering with my shots.
Continuing to walk around the path, a better view of the main hall and verandah was granted.
Both the main hall and veranda was constructed totally without the use of nails ! was/still is ? I don't know.
The main hall houses a priceless statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon Bodhisattva, the goddess of mercy.
From the verandah you can see views of the cherry & maple trees of the temple grounds below and views of Kyoto city in the horizon.
A previous tradition that is now prohibited, worshippers would jump off the 13m veranda, hoping to survive and in return be granted their wish.
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| View down below from the verandah |
Beyond the main hall is the Jishu shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking.
Within this area there are two stones place 18metres apart.
Successfully finding your way from one stone to the other with eyes closed is said to bring good luck in love.
If you miss the stone then your for desire for love is doomed.
You can also have someone guide you but that will mean you will need help from others in your love life too.
Shortly after taking this photo I was ushered out of this area.
There was a barricade at the steps of this shrine, it must have said something like "this area is closed" but everyone else was going in, so why not.
It was probably good that it was closed, otherwise i'd have all the other tourists interfering with my shots.
Continuing to walk around the path, a better view of the main hall and verandah was granted.
At the base of the main hall is the Otawa waterfall.
Its waters are divided into three separate streams, each stream has different benefits.
Health, longevity & wisdom.
Visitors use tin cups attached to poles to drink from them.
Drinking from all three streams is bad luck is considered as greedy.
Young people come here to look for fortune in love, whilst serious pilgrims come to pray & others for the view.
After finishing exploration of the temple right on 6pm closing time we descended back downhill to the main road.
Next stop Gion by bus 206.
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