Kiyomizu-dera, an iconic Buddhist temple in Kyoto, was founded in 778 and is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple's name, which means "Pure Water Temple," derives from the Otowa Waterfall that flows within its grounds, believed to have therapeutic properties.
Niomon, the temple's gate, features two Niō statues, one with a closed mouth and the other open, symbolizing birth and death.
Sakura night viewing at Kiyomizu-dera - niomon at the right
Built in 1632, the three-storied pagoda is 31 meters high and Japan's largest wooden tower.
night viewing at Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera - three-storied pagoda
Another striking feature of Kiyomizu-dera is its main hall, known as the Hondo, which is famous for its large wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside, supported by hundreds of wooden pillars and constructed without the use of nails. This veranda provides visitors with panoramic views of Kyoto.
You may also like