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 | Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 107 |  |  | |  |  | Kiyomizu Temple: Kiyomizu Temple | Tip Rating:      |  |  | |  |
This temple is one of my favorite places to visit! :) Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands out because it is is built into a steep hillside and suspended on giant pillars. The amazing thing is that the pillars supported the main hall of the temple without having a single nail screwed and hammered in place. Many people visit the great temple because of its location and breathtaking scenery. Kiyomizu Temple is dedicated to honoring the Juichimen Kannon (11-faced Goddess of Mercy). She is said to bring easy childbirth to expected mothers-to-be. While the original temple was built in 798 AD, the current structure dates back to 1633. To get to Kiyomizu Temple, I had to climb the slope, Kiyomizu-zaka which leads up to it. Because the temple is such a popular attraction, that street can be very crowded and great for people watching. It is lined with shops selling goodies, confectionery and souvenirs - all very attractively packaged. They have very special Hello Kitty Kyoto-themed goodies and dolls for those who are into collecting the feline. (I got one of Hello Kitty dressed in a kimono for my niece :P) Do leave some time to be able to browse and enjoy these shops. There are also restaurants as well. Before reaching the top and the main hall, I passed by several shrines along the way which also deserves photo-ops. There were some ceremony going on while I was there. A group of monks would go from hall to hall praying to the deities, and the people standing around watching, including myself, were kinda self-conscious about sneaking a photo because there were actually people part of the procession that were not praying, but were turned away from the deities in the halls and towards us, watching u with an eagle eye. Quite strange. Entrance fee: ¥300. Opening Hours: Daily 6am-6pm. Leave a Comment Directions: Take bus 100, 202, 206 or 207 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi, then walk up the long slope to the top.
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 | |  |  | Kiyomizu Temple: Kiyomizu-dera | Tip Rating:      |  |  | |  |
The Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Pure Water) was erected in 798, but most of the surrounding buildings were reconstructed during the early 1600's under Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa. There are a lot of shops and small snack places along the slope to the temple, so you can buy many souvenirs here. The most beautiful time to visit this temple is during Hanami (early April) when the cherry blossoms bloom, or during the Autumn. There's a great view of Kyoto from the temple, and don't forget to drink the water! Ideally, take the bus, as parking is limited and expensive. Admission Adult: 300 Yen Hours: 8:00 - 18:30 Leave a Comment Address: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shiPhone: 075-551-1234Directions: Northeast of Kyoto St., along Nishiou-ji. Easy access from bus or car, but difficult by train. Take bus 100, 202, 206 or 207 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi, then walk up the long slope to the top.
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