Things to do in Japan : Kiyomizu Temple Kyoto 清水寺, 京都市

April 30, 2014

Did u know that Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto was one of 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World?? However, it was not picked as one of the seven winning sites. It is the most popular temple in Kyoto and among Japanese people. And by far this is the most beautiful temple I have seen in Japan!! The temple complex looks exceptional during the cherry blossom period with it’s weeping sakura trees.
Kiyomizu dera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hill side below. From the stage you can get a good view of maple and cherry blossom trees and even Kyoto Tower!! The main hall and the stage was built without the use of nails!! It houses the temple’s primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon. These kinds of large verandas or stages and main halls were constructed at many popular sites during the Edo period to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims.

The popular expression “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu” holds true for in this case. In Edo period, it was believed that if you survive a 13m jump from the stage, your wish would be granted. Two hundred thirty-four jumps were recorded in the Edo period and of those only 85.4% survived. This practice is prohibited now.

The temple complex includes several other shrines, among them the most famous is the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, a god of love and “good matches”. Jishu Shrine has a pair of “love stones” placed apart, which lonely visitors can try to walk between with their eyes closed. If you are successful in reaching the other stone with your eyes closed you will find love or maybe even true love soon.

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The Otowa Waterfall is located at the base of Kiyomizudera’s main hall. Its waters are divided into three separate streams, and visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Each stream’s water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. But you should not drink from all three streams as it is considered greedy.

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Sweater – Zara, 30 $ on Sale, 2014;
Skirt – Bershka, 40$ , 2013; also worn here;
Shirt – Bershka, 40 $, 2012, also worn here;
Jacket – Zara, 130 $ ( gift from mom ), 2013, also worn here;
Boots – H&M, 50 $, 2014; also worn here;
Bag – GU, 20 $, 2013; also worn here;
Ring – Before the Boom, 2$, 2012; also worn here;

The entrance to the temple is along the steep and busy lanes of the bustling and beautiful Higashiyama District. There are many shops and restaurants in the area with all sorts of souvenirs ranging from Japanese mochi to Hello Kitty!!

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I went there quite late around 4 p.m. and the temple was already closing down..so I could not visit all the shrines in the temple complex. According to my two cent’s worth please be sure to visit a little earlier during the day, if you want to see everything they have to offer!!

7 Responses

1. 

   FreeUrCloset May 2, 2014

   Such a beautiful temple and your photos are wonderful, as if you’ve taken us all there with you. Love the post.

   XOXO Nensi

   Reply
   • 

     vivalahighstreet May 3, 2014

     Thanks!!!

     Reply
2. 

   talker blogger May 12, 2014

   Place looks great … Love your dress !

   Reply
   • 

     vivalahighstreet May 13, 2014

     Thanks:))

     Reply
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