This World Heritage temple is ingeniously built, without nails, and takes its name from the nearby waterfall.
Kiyomizu Temple is located in the Otowa Mountain, east of central Kyōto. The city is a hotbed of ancient temples, and this is one of the most enchanting. Millions of people come to see this Buddhist site every year. There's been a temple of some form or other here since 778, when it was affiliated with the Hossō sect. Since 1965, it's been associated with the Kitahossō group.
The majestic red and gold Deva gate heralds the start of a steep walk up to the main temple complex. Because Kiyomizu Temple is such a big tourist destination, both approaches to the main complex are busy with vendors selling snacks, souvenirs, and charms.
Kiyomizu Temple's stand-out feature is its Main Hall. This comprises of a veranda, which juts out from the hillside. The cedar-slabbed veranda is supported by towering pillars, and was built in the Edo period to cope with increasing numbers of pilgrims. Not a single nail was used in its construction.
Historically, pilgrims leapt from the veranda to a spot 13 metres below. If they survived, it was believed a wish would be granted. That tradition is long outlawed instead, use the veranda for the spectacular vistas of Kyōto, and of the temple gardens. The temple’s main hall, meanwhile, houses a statue of the 11-faced, thousand-armed goddess Kannon.
Afterwards, visit Otowa-no-taki, the waterfall from which the temple gets its name. Drinking the water is said to bring you good health and wisdom, and many tourists are seen to test this theory out. Other nearby attractions include the Jishu shrine (walk between the two 'love stones' with your eyes closed to secure true amour), and 1,000 stone Buddha statues scattered around the temple garden.
Kiyomizu Temple is open every day. It's especially busy during New Year and Bon Festival (this takes place over in the summer, and honours the spirits of ancestors). A small fee is applicable for entering the temple, and is well worth the money. Regular buses leave from Kyōto Station. The earlier you arrive, the more peaceful it will be.
