Kiyomizu-dera is the most popular temple in all of Kyoto, Japan. The main hall is the most spectacular single item here. It’s up on large wooden stilts and designated as a national treasure.
Large verandas and main halls like this were constructed at many popular sites in the past to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims.
And then we have the views looking out across from the main hall into downtown.
Looking up towards the temple which is up on the hillside.
An old tradition that held that if you could survive a 13 meter jump from the stage, your wish would be granted. Over 200 people jumped, most of them surviving, but that practice is now prohibited.
You can also buy good luck charms and various kiosks here and omikugi which are the paper fortunes, and incense and various other talismans.
Shoppers will be kept quite busy at the various kiosks and you can also get a bite to eat at some of the food stands.
The word Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water. The Otowa waterfall runs off the nearby hills in three channels of water that fall into a fountain. Visitors can catch and drink the water, which is believed to have wish-granting powers. And it’s said you will gain health, longevity, and success in studies by drinking from the three different streams.
These typical incense burners offer a smoke that's designed to chase away the evil spirits.
The temple is actually so old that it predates Kyoto itself. It dates back to the 700s, before Kyoto was founded as a city. Of course the structures have been rebuilt numerous times since then. Most of the structures have been rebuilt numerous times since then. There are some 30 buildings here and most were constructed in the early Edo period, in the early 1630s.
And the different altars and shrines within the temple grounds -- Images of the Buddha here and there in the different altars and shrines within the temple grounds
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