– Kiyomizudera Okuno-in – 清水寺奥之院 –
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. Near the Hondo are several other shrines and temples. This is the goshuin for Okuno-in, a small temple just past the main hall.
The stage attached to the Hondo is about 43 feet above the hill and is built without nails using traditional methods. Okuno-in, while a lovely building on its own, is probably the best place to take pictures of the Hondo from.
Down the stairs from it is Otowa Waterfall. 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.