Sunday, July 5, 2015

Kiyomizu-dera


Kiyomizu-dera (“Pure Water Temple”) was founded in 780 and is best known for its stage that juts out from the main hall, on 139 wooden pillars, 43 feet above the hillside below. The views of Kyoto from the stage are incredible.

The entrance to Kiyomizu-dera is located at the end of the steep approach from the Higashiyama District, known as Chawan-zaka (Teapot Lane). The popularity of that district and the temple ensured it was very crowded on the Sunday I visited.

The Otowa-no-taki (“Sound of Feather”) Waterfall is located at the base of  Kiyomizudera’s main hall.  The water is divided into three streams with different benefits: longevity, success at school, and fortune in love.

A three-storied pagoda is located among the trees at the southern end of the temple grounds, a visit to which ensures safe childbirth.