Visit Japan Web Kiyomizudera
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Kiyomizudera, located in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto. As the oldest temple in Kyoto, Kiyomizudera Temple has caught fire for several times. The suspended Kiyomizu Stage in front of the main hall is a Japanese national treasure. The temple is famous for cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn. It is also a perfect spot for appreciating the bright maple leaves.
Kiyomizudera has a distinctive wooden stage that extends from the main hall, standing 13 meters above the hillside. From the stage, visitors can enjoy splendid views of the lush cherry and maple trees below. It’s a beautiful display of colors during spring and fall as well as of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, along with the stage, was constructed without the use of nails and houses the temple’s primary object of worship, thousand-armed Kannon.
Behind Kiyomizudera’s main hall is Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to both the deity of love and matchmaking. In front of the shrine are two stones placed 18 meters apart. Successfully walking from one stone to the other with eyes closed brings luck in finding love. On the other hand, having someone guide you from one stone to the other means needing intermediary in your love life.
The Otowa Waterfall is located at the foot of Kiyomizudera’s main hall. There are three separate streams from the waterfall. Visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Each stream’s water can provide different benefits, promoting longevity, success in education and a fortunate love life. However, drinking from all of them is a sign of greedy.
