Kiyomizudera Temple was originally founded by a priest in the 8th century and the present structures were built in the 17th century.(This temple had been burnt down 9 times in the wars!) This temple is designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in Kyoto and you can enjoy the splended view of Kyoto City from its famous large veranda, which is built on the 13 meters cliff without any nails even though it has 139 wooden pillars!
Hondo, main hall, has been under its renovation which is supposed to be ended in 2021 now. It's famous for the principal image, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with 1000 arms (Important Cultural Property), which is open to the public only once every 33 years.
In the precinct of the temple, you can find 'Jisyujinjya Shrine' which is famous as a love shrine.
Many people want to try walking from one stone to the other stone with their eyes closed wishing for a good matchmaking.
You can also find 'Otowa Falls' which is famous for giving us 'Divine Favor' for the study, the long life, and the love. Please choose one stream of pure holy water.
Kiyomizudera Temple turns into red in autumn. You will be amazed at its stunning view of so many colored maple leaves in late November.
This is another world of green in May, June, and July.
Around Kiyomizudera Temple, there are such famous slopes as 'Sannenzaka (Sanneizaka)' and 'Ninenzaka' where you can enjoy shopping and eating. You can find so many gift shops and restaurants along the streets. You can also rent kimonos which is your favorite, and walk around in this area. (There are some? many? rental shops of kimono in this area.)
I visited this temple, which is one of my favorites in Kyoto in late July 2020, when even we, Japanese are recommended only to travel to neighborhood. (I live in the next prefecture of Kyoto.) I feel very very sorry to find the parking area for buses vacant, slopes in front of Kiyomizudera Temple with no people.
You can see so many people in this picture, I took in Oct 2018.
'Otowa Falls' remained silent.
Yasaka Pagoda seemed to be lonely because no one wanted to try to take pictures.
You can find many people in this picture I took in Mar 2020.
Kyoto has been loved by so many people for such a long time!
May the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy protect us and bring back our usual days soon! I'm waiting for the day when I can welcome you in Kyoto!!!
