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Kiyomizu-dera
October 20, 2008 | 23 Comments
Kiyomizu-dera is a Tendai Buddhist temple nestled in the hills in Kyoto, Japan. This was the second temple I stopped by on my Kyoto bicycle tour last weekend. (The first was Kinkaku-ji)
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not a single nail has been used in the structure.
The temple dates back to 798, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633. It takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water. (Source)
The main hall has a veranda, supported by tall pillars, that juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the city. The popular expression “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu” is the Japanese equivalent of the English expression “to take the plunge”. This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive a 13 m jump from the stage, one’s wish would be granted. Two hundred and thirty-four jumps were recorded in the Edo period and, of those, 85.4% survived. The practice is now prohibited.
The scene in cherry blossom season
A couple at the “Pagoda of Easy Childbirth”
Beneath the main hall is the Otowa waterfall, where three channels of water drop into a pond. Visitors to the temple collect the water, which is believed to have therapeutic properties. It is said that drinking the water of the three streams confers wisdom, health, and longevity. However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two — if you are greedy and drink from all three, you invite misfortune upon yourself.
View of the city below
- Jai
Filed Under: Japan, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, NaBloWriMo, Photo Essays, TRAVEL
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23 Comments
I have many photos almost exactly like these, from my first visit to Kiyomizu temple almost 20 years ago. It was a magical place then, and probably always will be. We made wishes — many of which have come true.
Not a single nail? Amazing pics. Have fun in Japan Jai.
Hey Jai, u’re enjoying in the wonderful place. I wish Bee was also there with u.
UNESCO site is just an amazing creation! Thanks for the free Japan tour!
this is the motivation i need to get around to writing up my Japan travelogue… which is about 4-5 months overdue…
Oh, wow, it’s so hard to determine which shot I love best. I think it’s the one with several beams. Lovely
lovely pics again. Thanks Jai! Brings back memories of days in Japan!
I was waiting for these pix, was sure you’d visit here too! But I don’t remember seeing the wooden stakes and Buddhas (pix under the link to the cherry blosson season).
[...] Digital photography by unknown [...]
Beautiful pictures. Thankyou for the wonderful tour .
Wow. Wow. I’m wow’d. Now I’ll be quiet.
thanks for the free trip Jai. Japan remains a place that i have to visit!
wonderfully pictures and thanks for reviving our memories.
Lovely snaps Jai…
Thank you Jai for taking us on this virtual tour of Kyoto!
How beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy your trip.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Paz
The virtual tour along with narration gave a bit of insight of current Japan..tks for sharing it!
Hey lovely pics Jai, thank you for this lovely e-tour
Absolutely spectacular photographs, as usual! Thank you for sharing Jai, hope you have great trip!
Lovely Pics Jai. Enjoy your stay …
This brought back fond memories of traveling to Japan too (20 plus years ago). Your images are beautiful!
I have wonderful memories of Kiyomizudera; and very similar pictures of the Jizo. I hope you got to Mt. Hiya.