Finding True Love At Kiyomizu-dera Temple In Kyoto, Japan
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Main Hall. Photo courtesy of Jessica Festa.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan ‘s Eastern Mountain Area was established during the eighth century. Made of wood, the structure has burned down numerous times, although the building we see today — created without nails and featuring a thatched roof — was created in 1633.
The story goes that a priest named Enchin saw a vision that instructed him to “look for the clear water origin of the upper reaches of the Yodo River. This is how he found this place — sitting over a waterfall at the base of Mount Otawa — we now call Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, or Clear Water Temple.
Strolling through nature at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Photo courtesy of Jessica Festa.
Surrounded by forest you can take a nature stroll, drink from three crystal cascades for prosperity, enjoy aerial views of Kyoto city, or make a wish for good fortune by ringing a series of bells and calling for the gods. There are also 16 structural attractions to see on the grounds, some of which include the Hondo (Main Hall), Nio-mon (Gate of the Deva Kings), Uma Todome (Horse Stable), Shoro (Bell Tower) and Sanju-no-to (Three-storied Pagoda), to name a few.
Trying to find my way between the love rocks. I’ll admit I had a little help.
My personal favorite Kiyomizu-dera Temple activity was finding out I was destined for true love . The task involved walking between two boulders — spaced about 43 feet apart — making it from one to the other successfully with your eyes closed. This can be tricky not only due to the loss of sight, but also because of how crowded the temple gets. Luckily when I did it everyone was too busy staring and laughing at me to get in my way and I made it to the other side. Looks like I’m ready for love.
Bonus: Follow the exit signs toward Sanen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Paths, where the houses and structures retain the same architecture since the Edo Period (1600-1867) . It’s also possible to walk to Kodaiji Temple and continue on to Gion, famous for its old world charm and talented maiko and geiko.
Have you visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple? What was the highlight for you? Please share in the comments below.
My trip to Japan’s Kansai Region was sponsored by the Japan National Tourism Organization. I was not required to write this post nor was I compensated for it. All opinions are 100% my own.
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