Kiyomizu-dera

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We visited the Kiyomizu-dera at the end of one of our larger sightseeing days (villa in the morning, Fushimi-inari around lunch).  

The stroll up to the temple is beautiful.  It sits up the hill with its back to a larger hill behind it.  We realized this hill is why we had not seen this temple until we were specifically coming to it.

The temple is a series of buildings and beautiful pagodas.  Unfortunately, we did not get great photos of the main hall as it is under construction for the next 2-3 years.  

The temple is considered "Kyoto-ians temple" and while the temple was originally associated with Hosso Buddhism, it spun off into its own sect in 1965.  We saw many beautiful saris and school children here.  It was a school holiday, so we believe it was maybe slightly more crowded than usual.
View of the street leading up to the temple

Statue at the front of the temple -- unclear what it is exactly, but its enough to see in your nightmares

We then went into the main temple to view over valley.  

Can you spot the baby pagoda?


 We really enjoyed this temple.  The views were spectacular.  I cannot wait to see it once the main temple is complete.  The Japanese choose a beautiful spot for this temple almost 1500 years ago!

 Time at temple: 1.5 hrs
Times visited: 1
Overall: A-
Location: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862, Japan

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