Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Temple of Clear Water

Kiyomizu Temple, Temple of Clear Water

“When Kannon-sama arises in your mind, then you are in Oneness with Kannon-sama.”

Resting on Otowa Mountain, Kiyomizu is one of the most scenic temples I’ve seen in Kyoto. The green mountain, the slow falling snow, and the ancient and impressive buildings made my visit lovely and enchanting.

The most famous part of this temple is the Main Hall (Hondo) - a huge wooden structure that houses the Eleven Headed and Thousand Armed Kannon Bodhisattva that extends to a veranda overlooking the temple garden and  the city of Kyoto. One interesting fact: it was built without the use of a single nail, the hall is supported by wooden pillars.

Niomon Gate (east gate).
At the back is the three-story pagoda under restoration.

Niomon gate. On both sides of the gate
are two kings which are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits.

Kyoto from Niomon gate.

Saimon gate (west gate).

West gate which was closed due to restoration.

The bell tower.  

Asakura-do Hall

A lamp at the main hall that caught my attention because of its design.

Located at the main hall (Hondo).

I took this photo from the main hall veranda. 

There were a lot of visitors that day.

Kiyomizudera temple.

Part of the temple's garden.

The temple was registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List as one of the Historic Monuments of ancient Kyoto in 1994.

How to get there: 

If you're coming from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, take City Bus 207 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi. The temple is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.

From the Kyoto Station, ride Kyoto City Bus No. 100 or 206.

Opening Hours and Fees:

Opening Hours: 0600H-1830H
Fee: 300 Yen
Special Night Opening Hours in Spring and Fall: 1830H-2130H
Fee: 400 Yen

Website: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kodai-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine

Kodaiji Temple

The first temple we visited although it was not the plan. We headed here because we got off at the wrong bus stop and then got lost. It's pretty frustrating to get lost in a city you are not familiar with where there's a huge language barrier.

We asked directions from the attending staff of the cafeteria where we ate our breakfast and it’s different from what the Google map displays. We followed Google map and besides the staff was talking Japanese. The only word we understood was “right”.

It was a long walk from the cafeteria to the temple. While looking for it we came across Maikos (or not). Some people were taking pictures of them so I also took one.

Real or not real?

I don't know how to distinguish real Maikos but it was my first time to see such elaborate make-up and hairstyle, even their back has make-up. I wonder if that's their real hair.

Going back, the temple was built in 1605 by a noblewoman in memory of her late husband. How cool is that? Damn gurl, you're rich!

Yes, you have to climb this to see the temple. C'mon, up!

Main Hall. To the right is the entrance.

View from the temple.

We call this "Bahay Kubo" in our country. Though this one's prettier.

It's kind of a sacrifice for me because it's freezing.

Aaahhh, my favorite part. It's so quiet here and the stones are neatly
arranged. Yeah, those are small rocks.

Kaisan-do Hall (dedicated to the the memory of the temple's
founding priest).

Japs like to lay out stones. This garden is designated by the
Japanese Gov't as a "Place of Historical Importance and
Outstanding Scenery". 

Kodaiji Temple Garden.

Otamaya Hall (under renovation)

The design was exquisite.

I thought a temple is just a building, I didn't know it can be huge.

Add-on:

Mani Wheels.

I'm no Buddhist but it's said that if you wish of good health, longevity or 5 million dollars, whatever, you walk around the hall clockwise and turn the wheels with your right hand. I hope I get my 5 million dollars now. Bam!

Temmangu Ox.

If you have an illness on your body, touch the corresponding part of the ox with your right or both hands. The ox is believed to bear the suffering for you. Touch it with both of your hands, just to be sure. :)

How to get there: 

From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, take City Bus 207 and get off at Higashiyama Yasui. From the bus stop, walk south until the first corner. Turn left (this is the Ishin Road). Walk straight until you see the road below, then turn left again. Walk around a minute then climb the stairs going to Kodaiji Temple.

Kodaiji is to the left.

From Kyoto station, ride Kyoto City Bus No. 100 or 206. Same directions as above.

Opening Hours and Fees:

Opening Hours: 0900H-1700H (Gates close at 1630H)
Fees:
Kodaiji Temple and Kodaiji Sho Museum for 600 yen
Kodaiji Temple, Kodaiji Sho Museum and Entokuin Temple for 900 yen

Website: Kodai-ji Temple

Additional note: Yasaka Shrine is just 5-10 minute walk from Kodaiji Temple.

We entered from the back.

These are fortune-telling paper strips which are called Omikuji.
You'll find these in most temples and shrines.

Here's another photo of fake Maikos. Thanks for reading! :)