One of Kyoto’s most famous and most scenic temples, Kiyomizu-dera is well known for the wooden veranda which offers expansive views of Kyoto.
Meaning “Pure Water Temple”, it was founded in 778 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall and was associated with one of the oldest schools in Japanese Buddhism – the Hosso sect (later forming its own branch). It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is always busy, but still well worth a visit.
If you’re looking for love, be sure to visit Jishu shrine behind the temple. There, you’ll find two stones and if you can navigate your way from one to the other with your eyes closed you’ll be lucky in love. You can also find the famous waterfall below the hall, pouring out into three streams – each representing a long life, success in education and success in love.
Please Note: The main hall is currently undergoing renovation work until March 2020 and although you can enter the hall, the scaffolding does detract from the famous view of the temple jutting out from the mountain.
