Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺)
is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was one of the finalists for the New Seven Wonders Of The World in 2007.
Many visitors would choose to visit Kiyomizu-dera - "Pure Water Temple" during Spring or Autumn so as to be able to enjoy the beauty that nature brings - cherry blossoms (sakura) and autumn maple leaves that frames the Kiyomizu-dera.
Fortunately for me, when I visited the temple, a couple of the sakura trees has already bloomed. Although the view would be much more breathtaking if all of the trees were in their full glory.
Getting to Kiyomizu-dera isn't difficult. Most of the buses at the central bus station outside the Kyoto JR station brings you to Kiyomizu-dera. And as usual, when you alight, follow the crowd as you will have to turn into a street where all the souvenir stores are before you will reach the temple.
During then when I was there, there was some festival going on. Many Japanese girls (and some guys) were all dressed up in their traditional kimonos and Kiyomizu-dera would be opened till late at night. (unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay till late.)
Japanese ladies in their kimonos
As usual, there is a stretch of stores selling beautiful ornaments, candies, Japanese traditional dango, souvenirs and snacks on the way up to Kiyomizu-dera. I believe that as it was a Saturday and due to some festival (I suppose...), the street is filled with people going towards the temple. Both tourists for sightseeing and locals for prayers.
Beautiful cherry blossoms littered every corner of the bustling street.
Old school machines loaded with kiyomizu-dera printed trinkets for sale.
Pretty Meat buns!
(Japanese are all so good at making their food or whatnots look awesome!)
Kimonos for rent! 3150 yen per day!
How can I ever forget to eat cream puffs in Japan!
It is filled with Sakura flavored custard which is only available during spring time.
How much more awesome can it get?!
And finally, we see it!
Kiyomizu-dera!
Look at the beautiful sakura tree outside the temple!
I couldn't help it. I just had to camwhore with the flowers!
Entrance into Kiyomizu-dera is free of charge. However, if you would like to walk in further to where the love shrine, main hall and where you get to drink the spring water to wish for success and good health, you will have to pay 300 yen (adult) to enter.
Which I highly recommend for the beautiful scenery you will get to see.
It was said that not a single nail was being used to build the structure of the Kiyomizu-dera temple. And people would jump off the "stage" (that part which looked like a balcony) in hope their wishes will be granted. That is if they survived.
However, such practices has been banned. (Thank god!)
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Seriously, look at this! How can you not fall in love with this sight!
This is where you buy all the pretty amulets and charms! Every charm and amulet has a different use. Some are used to wish for success while some are used for good health and love.
This is the one I've gotten!
It is for good luck! * keep my fingers crossed!*
Time for a group photo!
While I was walking down the walkway, engrossed in taking touristy pictures, I noticed a man painting the kiyomizu-dera. And look!
Kyoto Jishu Shrine
Located within the temple, is the love shrine - Kyoto Jishu Shrine.
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If you manage to walk from one of the love stone to another love stone with your eyes closed, your wish will come true!
Sounds easy... only that there are like a hundred people right infront of you!
Anyway, after we were done with Kiyomizu-dera, it was almost evening. (time passes in light speed when you are enjoying yourself!)
Taking the same bus 1-2 stops from kiyomizu-dera would bring you to...
Gion (祇園)
Gion is a famous geisha (geiko/maiko in kyoto) district in Kyoto where many teahouses, restaurants and shops lies.
Till today, geiko/maiko (geisha) can still be seen in the streets of Gion.
Unfortunately, I was only able to catch a glimpse of one of them walking in lightning speed into one of the houses when I was there.
Aren't their kimonos beautiful?!
I want to wear a kimono too!
Ok. That aside, we were there for dinner and due to our lacking in the Japanese language, we found a restaurant to have dinner at using the easiest/obvious touristy way.
Just go into the one with the most people/longest queue.
Unagi Rice
Fried Tofu
Silky Egg Roll
IS AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Beef Sukiyaki
Tofu Tempura Set
Unagi Tempura
In all, Kyoto was a great experience for me. There is no doubt that I will return to Kyoto when I have the chance! There are still so many other landmarks I have never had the chance to see yet! And perhaps the next time, I shall go rent a kimono or dress up as a geisha and walk around Gion!
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