Kiyomizudera: Not All Temples In Japan have Waterfalls

Kiyomizudera (Kiyomizu temple) is definitely one of my favorite of all the Japanese temples in Kyoto, Japan.

Founded in 798, with most of the current buildings reconstructed in 1633, Kiyomizu Temple (aka Clear Water Temple) in Kyoto should be on the list of places to go for any Kyoto tourist.

Its name derives from the water of Otowa waterfall below the main hall, which is said to provide good health to those who drink it.

Buddhist Temples In Kyoto, Japan, Aren`t Afraid of Heights.

- Its huge dancing stage (butai) offers a wonderful view of Kyoto.

- Not a single nail was used in its construction (think about that as you look over the edge!)

- During the Edo period (1603-1868), people would jump off of the 13 meter high stage.

Why would they do that?

Well believe it or not, suicide was not the reason.

According to the good old Pedia of Wiki, 85.4% of the 234 individuals (I`m assuming here that they only did it once) who jumped survived!

In fact, they believed that surviving the jump/self induced fall would mean a wish would be granted.

Obviously they had never heard of "lamps" or "genies".

The typically narrow Japanese street leading to the temple is on a steep hill and is lined with restaurants, stores and guest houses. It really has a great Kyoto feel.

The best time to visit the temple is first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. The first time I went with my wife, we didn`t feel like getting up before six.

Needless to say there were school kids and tourists everywhere.

Opening Hours:

6:00am - 6:00pm

Open Year Round

Entry: 300 yen

Leave Kiyomizudera and discover more about Japan and Japan Travel.