Kiyomizu Temple of Kyoto 2012

It’s been 4 years since my last trip to Kyoto in the year 2008. And every Kyoto trip must not give a miss to the ever historical Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺).

Officially known as Otowa-san, Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kiyomizu-dera was founded in the early Heian period (794 to 1185). The original temple dates back to 778, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633, during a restoration ordered by the Tokugawa Iemitsu. You can see that there is not a single nail used in the entire structure.

Besides that, the name, Kiyomizu got its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water.

The usual sight when reaching the temple.

Three of us again at the same spot taking photo together after nearly 4 years

 

The infamous Niomon (仁王門） gate which is common in every entrance of temple in Japan. Literally, it means Gate of Two Kings

Niomon (仁王門）from the front part

Going up further we will be able to see another Niomon. Here's the overview of the Kyoto City.

A bell in the Kiyomizu-dera

Pagoda from the back of the Niomon

Panoramic View of the Niomon and the Kyoto City

As you go up, here you go! that's the Kiyomizu-dera's popular POV (point of view) shot

If you look carefully at the base of the structure, indeed there is not even one nail at all

even the renovation bases on other temples in the complex does not use the steel scaffolding

Visitors acquiring the holy pure water at the mentioned waterfall at Kiyomizu-dera

The Panoramic View of the Kiyomizu-dera with the city scape

 That's all for now. Will be back for the post on Great Buddha of Todai-ji from Nara!