WanderLex

Tag: Kyoto

  • Kyoto Temple Shrine Hopping – Kiyomizu dera

    Kyoto Temple Shrine Hopping – Kiyomizu dera

    Next iconic Kyoto temple on my list is Kiyomizu dera (音羽山清水寺) located at Otowa Mountain. The temple name “Kiyomizu” literally means pure water and it was founded before Kyoto became the Imperial Capital. The historic temple had endured a turbulent past – being destroyed and rebuilt many times.

    And Kiyomizu dera stands today as one of the most popular temples frequent by both devotees and tourists. This Buddhist temple listed in UNESCO world heritage sites is yet another must-see in Kyoto.

    Bus 100

    Map

    The uphill walk from the bus stop to the temple ground takes around 15mins, provided you don’t stop to check out the shops along the way. The charming narrow streets leading to Kiyomizu dera are populated with shops selling souvenirs, pottery, candies, snacks, ice cream among many others.

    Path

    On the way

    Outside

    Tickets

    Around

    Around

    Around

    Kiyomizu dera Cleansing water

    The famous stage of Kiyomizu dera

    Besides being a superb place to enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto, the renowned Kiyomizu stage is also famous for how it was constructed. Apparently, the impressive wooden-decked stage was built without using a single nail, how cool is that?

    There was even a past tradition for people to jump off the 13 meters tall stage which they believed that surviving the fall would make their wishes come true. Seriously?? Thank goodness such practice has been banned!

    Beautiful Kiyomizu dera

    Beautiful

    Beautiful

    Surrounding view

    Hill behind

    Hondo or the main hall which houses the statue of eleven-faced Kannon (Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy) with thousand arms.

    prayers area

    buddha

    Otowa Waterfall

    A short walk from the main hall is Otowa Waterfall. The water flowing down from the waterfall will split into three streams when it reaches the pavilion. It is said to have wish-granting power when one drinks the water.

    There’s a long queue to drink the water using a ladle while we are there. When it’s your turn to drink, fill your cup from one of the 3 streams (from left to right) Longevity, Health or Intelligence. But don’t be greedy and drink from all three because it’s believed that none of the benefits will be granted when one does that.

    waterfall

    waterfall

    Love Rocks!

    The popular love shrine, Jishu Jinja is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. There are two love rocks placed around 5 meters apart, singles can try to walk from one rock to another with their eyes closed. Success in doing so means the person will be blessed to find true love. Kinda cheesy but we see many people trying to do that.

    Jishu Jinja

    Jishu Jinja love rocks

    Jishu home safety

    Jishu wishing

    Around Jishu Jinja

    Around Jishu

    Around Jishu

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    What are your thoughts about Kiyomizu dera? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • Kyoto Temple Shrine Hopping – Kinkakuji

    Kyoto Temple Shrine Hopping – Kinkakuji

    We continue our Kyoto temple shrine hopping trip on the next day and Kinkakuji is the first stop. The spiritual Buddhism and Shintoism have thousands of temples and shrines between them – incredible stats by any standards. The sheer numbers make it impossible to visit all of them. Hence, I can only cherry-pick a few to visit and Kinkakuji (金閣寺) aka the Golden Pavilion is high up on my list.

    Tickets

    UNESCO Kinkakuji

    map

    Picture perfect Kinkakuji

    We didn’t have to walk far to catch our first glimpse of the pavilion. The three-tiered temple with its glimmering gold is a sight to behold…amazing! The Golden Pavilion sits within Kyoko-chi (鏡湖) surrounded by lush greenery. The combination gives a very zen feel and reflection of the pavilion in the calm water is really picturesque. Like!!

    Picture perfect! Kinkakuji

    Kinkakuji reflection

    close up

    Different level styles

    It is hard to imagine that the beautiful pavilion is merely a replica covered with gold leaf. The original Kinkakuji survived the warring period even when buildings in the compound were destroyed. Only to be burnt down by a young monk for an unknown reason.

    WTH!! How could anyone bear to torch something this beautiful?!

    Perhaps that’s the reason why Rokuon Ji Temple, the official name for Kinkakuji, does not allow access to the pavilion and can only be admired from afar. Still, this UNESCO World Heritage site is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscapes in Kyoto.

    Beautiful Kinkakuji

    Following the footpath around the garden leads us to a tiny waterfall and a mini shrine. Towards the exit stands the small Fudo-do shrine.

    little waterfall

    Coins

    prayers

    Ishida Café opposite Kinkakuji

    Thereafter, we have our breakfast at Ishida Café (石田珈琲) along the street opposite Kinkakuji. The toast and eggs are really nice!! Despite the language barrier, we feel right at home with the super friendly owners.

    Breakfast outside

    Ishida Friendly owners

    They even gave us a postcard and bookmark as souvenirs. Very nice folks!!

    Gift from Ishida owners

    [alert]

    What are your thoughts about Kinkakuji? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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