Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto

Kiyomizudera was not in my initial list.  My initial plan was to visit the Golden Temple, I saw lots of angmo pics there.

 But after getting some insight from my Japanese interns,  they said Kiyomizudera is a must and the Golden Temple is too tourist-y.  So I did follow their advice, and boy, I am so glad I did.

The walk up the hill is almost unbearable, I was not prepare for the walk, I almost gave up.  A check from my phone shows that the hills was equivalent to 18 stories. phew..

Me and the kids took a 30 minutes rest at the main torii gate, while hubby went to survey the area.  Then only  we continued to explore area.  We bought the entrance tickets, once entered, what I saw really took my breath away.  The view of Kyoto city the the top, you can see Kyoto Tower from up there,  the huge pillar using tree trunk, the ancient-ness of the building, the beautiful green leaves, feels like you are standing on top of the trees.  Ohh I can imagine how beautiful the view can be if you come during autumn or spring or even winter.  Wish I can come back to see all the different colors of the seasons.

Below the temple is where the Otowa Waterfall located.

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), is listed and one of the UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kyoto.  There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total in Kyoto itself.  The temple was founded in 778, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633. There is NOT a single nail used in the entire structure. It takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. 

Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water.  Otowa Waterfall, where the water flows into 3 separate streams.  Use the stainless steel ladle cup provided at the value to catch the water, and drink it.  Each of the streams is believed to have a different effect such as bringing success, love and longevity.

all the way up

At the main gate & entrance

The main hall

Hydrangea

Otowan waterfalls, don't expect huge waterfalls ya.

Bonsai garden n turtles pond

insta weather and me

Ultra violet sterilizer that cleans the ladle cup at Otowan waterfalls, small things like this that make me fell in love with Japan, again n again.

In 2007, Kiyomizu-dera 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. - Wikipedia