A short post with few photos because my camera battery was running low at that time and I was trying to conserve battery for night attractions (yet it still died after dinner and I couldn't take nice photos in Yasaka Shrine, sad ~)
Kiyomizu-Dera or 清水寺 was probably the fourth or fifth temple I visited in Japan (yes, i mean temples, not including shrines yet). Wasn't having much expectation that it would look significantly different from the previous temples, but I would say it's unique in its way and the temple is still worth visiting as it offers some spectacular views and interesting places.
Linking the bus stop to the temple is Higashiyama district, which I mentioned in the previous post. Higashiyama is well-known for its traditional-styled wooden buildings and ancient Kyoto ambience. You will see a lot of tourists dressing in Kimono along the street. Love the colourful Kimonos and how elegant they are. Renting a Kimono for one day isn't that expensive, the price usually starts from 3000 yen. Wanted to try but didn't in the end because my friends did not seem interested. Probably will try during my next visit to Japan, I think it would be wonderful to capture photos with beautiful autumn red leaves, haha!
Witnessed a proposal in Higashiyama! And the lady said yes! Feeling happy for the couple =)
Kiyomizudera Temple
Transport - Bus number 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station, followed by 10 mins walk uphill to the temple.
Opening Hours - Daily 6am to 6pm
Entrance Ticket - 400 yen
The photos above showed the places where you can freely access to. To explore the other parts of the temple, you will need to buy an entry ticket.
It took about 20 mins to reach the pagoda in the photo.
Probably the highlight of the temple for people searching for true love - the pair of Love Stones in Jishu Jinja Shrine. Jishu Shrine is located within Kiyomizu complex. It's really packed with love seekers! The legend says that starting from the first love stone, if you can reach the other one with your eyes closed, it means that love is approaching you! It sounds simple because the path is straight but not everyone can do it easily especially without guidance. Not to feel sad if you can't do it because it just indicates that you need to wait a while before the cupid hits you!
Continue walking from the Love Temple, it's a trail leading to the pagoda. Breathtaking views of Kyoto city. Would be a lovely place to watch sunset but unfortunately the temple will be closed at 6pm or 6.30pm (only on certain days) before the sun sets down.
Before leaving the temple, spot the three waterfalls. We didn't do our research properly and we were actually anticipating for real waterfalls. Otowa waterfall is one of the main attractions of the temple. The water is divided into 3 different streams and you should pick one and drink with the cup provided. The cups are sterilized with UV radiation and hence no worries for hygiene issue. Each represents different meaning, from the website I read, which are success, love and longevity respectively. The funny thing was we couldn't identify the label started from which end. Oh well, if you are looking for love, go for the middle one should be correct!
The group of cute Japanese students queuing in front of us. Amazed by the swift actions of the teachers to collect, sterilize and pass the cups to the students, very very systematic!
Drinking from the waterfalls marked the end of my visit to Kiyomizu Temple. Lovely place to visit to! Next post shall sum up my trip to Kyoto, highlighting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove!
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