清水寺 – Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera, which translates to the “Pure Water Temple”, was founded in year 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the eastern hills of Kyoto.  The waterfall is located at the base of the main hall and its waters are divided into three streams.  Visitors can use cups attached to long poles to drink from the streams, but each stream has a different power.  The first brings long life, the second academic success, and the third a fortunate love life.  Traditions say, however, that you should choose only one as drinking from all three is considered to be greedy and thus will have a negative effect.

It’s been many years since I was last at Kiyomizudera, but I was quickly reminded upon arriving in November with my good friend Diana why it is one of my favorite temples.  And the autumn foliage only made it all the more spectacular.  Everything was a fantastic red, a vibrant shade that didn’t seem possible in nature.

Inside one of the additional halls, the Zuigudo Hall, we tried something I don’t remember ever doing before, where we traveled through a long, pitch black hallway with only the large beads of a rosary to guide us like a railing.  As the Zuigudo Hall is dedicated to the Buddha’s mother, whose statue is housed inside the basement, the hallway is thus likened to a mother’s womb.  You cannot see her, however, and instead have to trust in her protection to guide you through safely.  It is truly a difficult to describe experience.  I can’t say I’m a very spiritual person, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

The view from the balcony is, as always, my favorite part.  This time was no different.  I am pretty certain our jaws dropped upon seeing the view with the fall colors in full.  Kiyomizudera is definitely worth seeing during the fall, but like many popular attractions in Japan/Kyoto, it can be very crowded.  And it becomes especially so when either the autumn foliage or cherry blossom seasons come around.  So please do be careful.

Vital Information:

• Open: 6:00 to 18:00

• No Closing Days

• 300 yen Admission

• Semi-English Friendly

• 10 minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka bus stops via Bus 100 or 206.