Kiyomizu-dera, located at Higashiyama, eastern Kyoto. It’s full name is Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera because it was found near the Otowa waterfall. Kiyomizu-dera itself means Pure Water Temple.

The temple is registered in UNESCO World Heritage site. It is popular because of the large veranda at the temple area is supported with tall timber pillars that jut out over the hillside without nails. It is measured around 13 meters height.

Before we went to Kiyomizu-dera, we returned from Inari to Kyoto Station then took a bus to Kiyomizu-dera area. After that you need to walk along the street full of kimono rental shops, souvenir shops, also street food shops.

But first, I scream for ICE CREAM!!

It was kinda long way till we reached the temple, so we bought some street foods to fill our tummy. I planned to try out the tofu ice cream, but when I passed by, it was restocking. So I was thinking I’ll purchase it on my way down. Unfortunately, it was closed when I walk down from the temple. 😦 Too bad..

It was so crowded at the entrance with tourist, locals and foreigners. They were all trying to get nice photos in front of the gate. I saw a japanese family with kimonos. They were so cute!

After a few hassle, finally we could stand right in front of the gate to take selfie. 😀 Pardon his face because the sun was so bright and I was hiding under his shadow :p

Some details of the gate~

(hehe I managed to capture some photos of Mr.F ❤ )

What was behind us….

The pagoda was welcoming us as we passed through the gate. The vermilion color as a signature of most temples in Japan was so bright and stand out in this clear weather.

The details of the pagoda mesmerized me. I could not imagine how Japanese did create and build it in that period. They understand very well the details, the constructions, the colors and how to put it together into a pretty architecture.

Don’t forget to purchase the entrance ticket before you walk further inside. 🙂

We arrived at the large verandas / balcony you can say which is the main building in this Kiyomizu-dera area.

View from the balcony

There are some steel staffs in different sizes that used by monks during that time. It’s one of an interesting attraction for visitors to try lifted it with their strength.

The Verandas

Do not be surprised that Japanese people praying in front of the incense smoke. They believe it to have therapeutic and purifying properties. How they do is to fan the incense smoke around their head and body.

Inside the praying room

There are some shops below..

Jishu-jinja (a matchmaking shrine)

Behind the main building, you’ll see a black torii of Jishu-jinja. It is a shrine that is dedicated to Okuninushi, a god of love and good matches. Here there is a pair of love stones that locals believe if you can walk with eyes closed from one stone to the other successfully, they will find their true love. I read about it in some manga before. These pair of stones places 18 meters apart.

 (Mekura-ishi; Blind Stones)

Some of the temple area was under construction. Maybe they were extending the viewing balcony.

But as we walked further, we could get clearer view of the verandas.

 

 

I don’t usually stopped and see people’s sketches when I went to sightseeing places. But the grandpa’s work made me stopped.

I was surprised that his sketches was very pretty that I can’t even do. He did better than me! He proofed that an old age does not limit your skill!

 

 

We visited another pagoda which seldom visitors come here. It’s has more simple design that the other pagoda nearby the entrance. It’s name is Koyasu Pagoda that is believed to bring out an easy and safe childbirth.

The sun was going to set down soon..me and Mr. F started to feel cold. So we walked faster towards the exit gate. We found some small ‘cafes’ where people sitting down, have some hot ocha and chit-chat.

Another cafe was preparing to open their business as the sun setting down by rolling up the plastic curtain.

Kiyomizu-dera

1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862, Kyoto Prefecture

6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission fee : 400JPY

 

-G-