Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

This is my 3rd favorite temple in Kyoto. A steep walk with many nice souvenir shops along the way to the temple. There is a large wooden columns supporting this temple as it is built on the slope of a hill. The surrounding hills are beautiful in autumn colorful foliage.

Many tourists and worshipppers seem to drink the water with a bamboo ladle. Wonder what it tasted like. You have to fight with the crowds of Japanese school children and okusan (mothers on tours) to get yourself into a picture. There is a great panaromic view of Kyoto from up there. Definitely a must-see temple.

Kiyomizu-dera is another large temple complex in the eastern part of Kyoto. The temple is reached on bus number 100 from Kawaramachi-dori, or bus number 206 from Kyoto Station. Another thronging shopping street leads up to the temple.
Kiyomizu-dera's main temple structures are built on a steep hillside and have huge wooden decks in front of them, from which you can get great views of Kyoto. The temple has a number of Shinto shrines in its precints as well. The whole is fascinating to wander around, but as this is popular tourist attraction, it is always crowded.
I think it cost JPY600 (2006) to get in.

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a magnificient temple which offers a breathtaking view of the city. This temple is surrounded by trees and cherry blossoms, as soon as you enter you'll be amazed by the awesome architecture and beautiful landscapes. at the entrance you will be greeted by a (forgive me for a lack of a better word) cute little buddha which i was told is supposed to bring good luck. Within walking distance is a pagoda which is also a great sight to behold. Just be prepared for a big crowd because this is a very popular tourist site. Kiyomizo temple honors the 11 faced Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, this temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto is one the most breathtaking places i`ve been too. I was lucky as i had 3 great Japanese people with me to talk me through the whole experience. Enriched with Japanese history and culture if you are in Kyoto theres no way you`ll miss it.

Like I said in the introduction page to Kyoto, the 1200 year old Kyomizudera (dera meaning temple), was built without a nail ever being used, just inter-locking wooden pegs and planks, and still standing. It's not small either, it's a few storeys high and yo can climb up to the top floor balcont overlooing a park.

I was there in a golden autumn afternoon, and it just puts you in a good mood that made you feel so special. Spring is another good time to be there when te cheery blossoms are in full display of their colours and blast of scent

What sets Kiyomizudera apart from the other temples is its unique wooden terrace which has been intricately built and set against a tree covered hill. Take your time to explore the sprawling grounds of this temple complex. Stop to taste the fresh spring water below the terrace said to contain healing powers.

As you approach the temple, there are many shops lining the street where you can find a wide range of souvenirs, pottery, bags, paper products, fans and Japanese snacks.

For the best green tea ice-cream, visit the shop closest to the temple (on the left) if you're approaching the temple. On the way back, take a walk down the steps of Sannenzaka (on the right if leaving temple). Here you'll find more shops and cafes which makes it perfect to while the afternoon away.

Avoid Sundays as it's very crowded everywhere. Best time to visit is during spring (cherry blossoms), fall (autumn colours) and winter where the surroundings are breathtaking according to seasons.

Please see travelogue for more pictures of temple and its surroundings.

Entrance fee : US$2.57 per person
Hours : 6am - 6pm

There is a Japanese saying that goes: "Kiyomizu no butai kara tobu" which means: "Jump from the stage/veranda of the Kiyomizu Temple". (The 'stage' or 'veranda' mentioned is pictured here.) It means to make a bold decision, not to be weak about it. Once you've made up your mind, there is not turning back.

(Imagine wanting to jump down from the veranda then as you were falling, you decide you didn't want to jump after all. Haha!)

Kiyomizudera is a popular place for school tours as well as for momiji viewing (fall foliage).

Outside the temple, there is a long sloping street full of shops that sell everything from cakes to mini katana (samurai swords) to glay wall scrolls and there is always something for everybody ^_^

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If there's only one temple that you can visit in Kyoto then let it be Kiyomizu-Dera. Despite the fact that it's becoming one of the highly commercialized temples in recent years, thanks (no thanks) to the endless shops by the 2 slopes that lead to it, it's still one of the most remarkable landmark of the city. It was first built in 798 but the present building was reconsutructed dating from 1633. The temple is made entirely of woods.

The main hall has a huge veranda that is supported by hundreds of pillars and juts over the hillside. Aside from the temple itself, other main attractions would be the Otawa-no-taki, where visitors drink sacred waters believed to have therapeutic powers (yes, I did line up for that one, too!) There's also the lover's stones on two sides and one has to walk from one to the other with eyes closed. If you succeeded, then you'll be ok in the love arena. It was fun seeing people actually do that!

Only complaint about this temple is that being the most popular temple, it's almost always crowded with tourists. We came rather early in the morning and it was already packed.