– Kiyomizudera Hondo – 清水寺本堂 –
Kyoto（京都） – August 7, 2018
Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple) is a sprawling temple in the Higashiyama part of Kyoto. The Hondo, or Main Hall, is famous for it’s stage that hangs over the hill below. This is the goshuin for the Kiyomizudera Hondo.
The stage attached to the Hondo is about 43 feet above the hill and is built without nails using traditional methods. The surrounding sakura and maple trees make it especially stunning in the spring and fall. However, the view of Kyoto in the distance is wonderful at any time of year.
It was built in 780 next to the Otowa Waterfall from which it gets it’s name. Hundreds of people line up to drink from its water every year. The waterfall is divided into three streams that have different effects: one is for longevity, for scholarship, and for love. You can use a cup attached to a long stick (provided at the site) to catch the water.
I also recommend visiting Sanjusangendo while in the Higashiyama area.
As of August 2018, the Main Hall (Hondo) is currently under renovation.
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- Kiyomizudera Hondo
