25 November 2016
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions. It was another one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto. I last visited this Buddhist Temple in June 2016 and I did not really enjoy my visit. See post here.
As in all must-see places in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the surrounding streets were crowded and to make things worse, it was hot and humid in June. We just explored the “free to visit” outside area of the temple before seeking shelter from the heat in a nice cool cafe. This time round, we came to see Kiyomizu-dera Temple again in the cooler and less humid autumn weather.
The temple can be reached from Gion by bus number 100 (15 minutes travel time, 230 yen). If we were to take the bus, we would need to get off at the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. From where it would be a ten minute uphill walk to the temple. Since the weather is nice and cool in autumn, we chose to walk to the temple from our hotel (APA Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent) instead. That way, we also get to see the southern Higashiyama area of Kyoto.
Queer figurines spotted along a street in the southern Higashiyama area.
Yasaka-no-to Pagoda at Higashiyama.
Along the way, we saw the Yasaka-no-to Pagoda, and walk up Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, two preserved streets that was crowded with visitors the last time we were here. Most of the shops on these two streets were still closed in the morning and hence the streets were relatively quiet.
We reached the temple at about 9.20 AM and paid the entrance fee of 300 yen per person to get into the paid area of the temple where the main hall is located. The main hall houses a priceless statue of the Kannon Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy.
Spectacular view of the town of Kyoto city from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. We could see Kyoto Tower from here.
Although many tourists came for the views, many locals came to pray at this temple. The expansive site, with an area of 130,000 square meters, contains many important cultural properties, including buildings and Buddhist images.
Worshipper engulfed in incense smoke.
The views get even better as we went further into the temple and came to the main hall of the temple that was constructed overhanging a cliff. The main hall was constructed in the 17th century and the viewing platform of the main hall is supported by 139 giant pillars.
View from the platform the main hall of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple with autumn colours at its peak.
The three-storied pagoda in the Buddhist temple on the far side of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Along the ravine to the south of the main hall there were many cherry and maple trees. This place is known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, and its red leaves during the fall. A three-storied pagoda in the temple precinct can be seen across the valley.
Bird's-eye view of the Otowa no taki that sits just below the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The name Kiyomizu-dera literally means “Pure Water Temple” and it takes its name from the pure waters of the Otowa no taki waterfall.
One of the best views of the temple was along a hill-side path on the side of the temple that led to the 3-storey pagoda across the ravine, seen from the main platform.
View of the Kiyomizu-dera temple and the Sanjunoto pagoda from the hillside path.
Zoomed in shot of the Sanjunoto pagoda and the temple.
View of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the pagoda from the far-side pagoda.
View of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the structure supporting the wooden viewing platform. The viewing platform of the main hall is supported by 139 giant pillars.
We then descended into the valley and walked to the waterfall we saw earlier from the platform. This waterfall is called the Otowa no taki and it is located just below the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The name Kiyomizu-dera literally means “Pure Water Temple” and it takes its name from the pure waters of the Otowa no taki waterfall.
Visitors queuing to drink from the sacred waters of the Otowa no taki.
A line of visitors, mostly locals, were queuing to drink from the sacred waters of the Otowa no taki which are divided into three separate streams that fall into a pond. Each stream’s water is said to have a different wish granting properties, ranging from health, longevity, to wisdom.
Students, using the cups attached to long poles, collecting water to drink.
From the waterfall, a flight of steps led us back to the main temple at the top. This is good place to see a close-up view of the giant pillars supporting the viewing platform above.
There is not a single nail used in the construction of the entire structure.
We went to visit the Jishu-jinja next. Jishu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Okuninushi, a god of love and matchmaking.
Path leading to the Jishu-jinja Shrine. This is a shinto shrine was characterised by a torii gate at the entrance.
Many visitors were praying for love, luck and whatever they wish for at this shrine.
This statue is called the “okuninushino-mikoto”, a Japanese god who is in charge of love and good matches. The rabbit beside him is the messenger of the god.
In front of the shrine are two love stones, which are 18 meters apart. Legend says that if you can walk safely from one stone to the other with your eyes closed you will find true love. If you miss the stone then your desire for love won’t be fulfilled for a long time. You can have help from someone guiding you to be successful, but this means that a go-between will also be needed for you to find love as well.
Sign explaining the legend of the love stones at the Jishu-jinja Shrine.
A wish granting deity at the Jishu-jinja Shrine.
Wishes hanging on a statue.
The Jishu-jinja Shrine was the last place we visited at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s ground. As we were heading out from main entrance, we saw more groups of students waiting to enter. This place is popular with students, for some reason.
Entrance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Students assembled at the entrance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Busy and crowded street in front of the temple.
We walked back down the Matsubara-dori to the Sannen-zaka. The street is lined with traditional wooden shops selling snacks, green tea and souvenirs. Some of the more enterprising green tea shops were offering free cups of green tea to entice visitors into the shops.
The eyes of the face in this lantern formed the Chinese words for Prosperity.
Two of Kyoto’s most attractive streets are Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, a pair of gently sloping lanes that lead down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple towards the Nene-no-Michi Lane. We saw many kimono clad ladies along this area and there were shops offering kimono rentals and makeover for a fee.
Ninen-zaka.
We made it a point to walk through the Ishibei-koji Lane again on the way back to Gion. This is one of the preserved streets that took us back in time, to the world of samurai and geisha. The narrow lane is flanked by rustic traditional houses, some of which had been converted to posh restaurants.
Entrance to Ishibei-koji Lane - according to some, this is the most beautiful lane in all of Kyoto.
A trio of kimono clad females squeezing through a doorway along the Ishibei-koji Lane!
The other entrance to the Ishibei-koji Lane. This one is near to Gion.
We managed to spot a couple of geishas as we approached the Gion area where our hotel was located.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple and southern Higashiyama were the last places we visited in Kyoto for this trip. Our next destination is Kobe City, where we would be staying for a couple of days.
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