Why visit?
Kyoto rates highly on the ‘bucket list’ of anyone planning to visit Japan – for its culture, food, temples, shrines, gardens and geisha. One of the ‘must visit’ sites in the inland city is the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex, which is one of the top attractions for visitors. The admission fee is 400 yen and the site is open daily from 6am to 6pm (until 6.30pm in July and August) but remains open until 9.30pm during special evening illuminations.
The name ‘Kiyomizudera’ means ‘Pure Water Temple’ and is derived from the adjacent Otowa Waterfall. The ancient wooden temple at the heart of the complex was founded in A.D. 790 and dedicated to the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.
Built on 30-metre-tall pillars, it has terraces overlooking the city and is reached by walking along Tea-pot Lane which is full of small shops and craft stores. Features that make it famous include its wooden stage, which extends out from the main hall, and provides excellent views over the surrounding area. These become
