Autumn in Kyoto – Higashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple

Day Two Morning in Kyoto – November 2016

Waking up in the morning was a challenge as we were exhausted from the red eye flight. We woke up later than planned. Glad the hotel serves breakfast. They serve local breakfast, sandwich bread, croissant and fruit juice. Glad they serve good coffee which helped to perk up my morning.

Higashiyama District (東山区)

Our itinerary for the day was to explore the Higashiyama District, visit Kiyomizu Temple, Nanzenji and Philosopher’s Path.

On our way to Kiyomizu Temple, we walked through the narrow lane of Higashiyama District. The lane is lined with wooden buildings of traditional shophouses, cafes and restaurants.

Ahead of us, was the Kiyomizu Temple, our destination and students clad in their uniform, yellow hat and school backpack were on an excursion to Kiyomizu Temple led by the teachers. The street was packed with both local and overseas visitors.

Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺)

We reached Kiyomizu Temple, our first stop of the day. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1994.

Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage or “kiyomizu no butai” (refer to picture above, the structure on the right) that juts out from its main hall (structure on the left), overlooks the city of Kyoto, supported by 139 tall pillars (refer to picture below). The main hall and the stage were built without the use of nails.

Otowa Waterfall is located at the base of the main hall. The water flow is divided into three separate streams, and visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Some filled their water bottle with the water. There was a very long queue, so we did not bother to queue.

Then we went back up to the main building and walked up to the Jishu Shrine, behind the main hall. It is a shrine dedicated to the deity of love and match-matching.

At the front of the shrine, there are two love stones that are placed 18 metres apart.  If one is to successfully find the way from one to the other with eyes closed, will have luck in finding love.

Next stop was to Nanzenji, will share on our visit in my next post, stay tuned!

This is part of My Kansai Region Travel Series.

 

The Lowdown – Kiyomizu Temple

Getting there – By bus number 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station, get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, ten minutes uphill walk to the temple. Or stop at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station via Keihan Rail.

Opening Hours – 6:00 to 18:00

Fees – 400 yen

For more information, do check at http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/.

 

 

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