⛩️ Otowa Mountain Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778 and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The temple is located on the hillside of Mount Otowa, covering an area of approximately 130,000 square meters, with over 30 halls and stone monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties. The temple's natural scenery is rich, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, beautiful autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter, allowing visitors to appreciate different views of the temple throughout the year. There are many highlights within Kiyomizu-dera. First, after climbing the slope, visitors are greeted by the vermilion Nio Gate welcoming worshippers. Continuing up the stairs, one can see the three-story pagoda, which stands about 31 meters tall and offers a stunning view of the streets of Kyoto. The most notable highlight is the main hall, known for the phrase "jumping from the Kiyomizu stage" (representing a determination to take a leap of faith). The main hall is built on the slope of the mountain using traditional Japanese construction techniques, without nails, but by joining wooden materials. It stands about 13 meters high, equivalent to a four-story building. Many tourists seek a good angle to photograph the main hall, which is built on a cliff, along with the "Kiyomizu stage" suspended in mid-air, complemented by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Particularly breathtaking are the photos of the illuminated Kiyomizu stage and the autumn foliage at night. Inside the main hall, the principal object of worship is the "Eleven-headed Kannon" statue, which is only revealed to the public once every 33 years, with the next unveiling scheduled for 2033. Visitors can usually pay respects to a slightly smaller model known as "Gojendachi." Additionally, the "Otowa Waterfall," which gives the temple its name, is located on the east side of the main hall and is a must-see attraction. Visitors can use a ladle to scoop water from the three streams of the waterfall, sincerely wishing for "purity of the six senses" and "the fulfillment of wishes." Furthermore, after passing through the aforementioned "Kiyomizu stage," one can find the "Jishu Shrine," a spot known for its energy related to love and relationships in Kyoto. If one wishes to find a good romantic partner, it is essential to visit the love fortune-telling stones within the shrine. It is said that if you close your eyes and walk from one stone to another without veering off course, your romantic wishes will come true.

Conveniently located near the center of Kyoto, it is easily accessible. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular tourist attraction representing Kyoto. It features many must-see highlights, including Japan's largest "Three-Storied Pagoda" and the "Main Hall" built on a slope. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms; in summer, lush greenery; in autumn, beautiful red maple leaves; and in winter, stunning snow scenes, allowing you to appreciate the temple's beauty throughout the four seasons.