Description: Tucked neatly away in the mountains is another must-see in Kyoto. Kiyomizudera is another temple that has been made famous over the centuries through various Japanese artists in a variety of media. Meaning "Clear Water, Kiyomizudera was once famous for its spring, said to have healing powers. While the water nowadays may have lost its lost its magical lustre, a more skeptical population flocks to see the terrific views of the city it has to offer from its grand clifftop balcony, as well as its other features.
Getting to Kiyomizudera is a fantastic mini-journey in itself. The bus will drop you off at the bottom of a steep hill. In front of you lies a narrow street lined with charming shops on either side. Perhaps the wiser person will wait for the return portion of the trip to shop, as not to be weighed down by bagloads of souvenirs!
But passing all the shops will give visitors a good idea of what they might like to purchase on the way back down. Be sure to leave in plenty of time on the way back to discover what hidden treasures these stores have to offer! Some shops offer pottery unique to the area, known simply as "Kiyomizu Pottery", in a wide array of prices. Others offer kimono and obi (again ranging from low-end to high-end), as well as a multitude of "mochi" - a Japanese sweet treat made from pounded rice with a filling inside, usually of natto (fermented sweat beans), cha (tea), or strawberry. It takes a while for many tourists to develop a taste for mochi. But once acquired, they never look back! Other tasty treats can also be found at these stores, such as cookies or biscuits bearing the likeness of Kiyomizudera or perhaps another famous image of Kyoto. And of course what shopping street would be complete without a store chock full of Hello Kitty goods?
Once the temptations of all the shops are passed, a grand gate greets visitors, letting them know that they've arrived. Painted in vermillion red, the shrine at the entrance immediately erases all the souvenirs intended to be bought from visitors' minds. Follow the few stairs and foot path around the shrine and you will be presented with a corner that makes for a nice scenic photo opportunity. In the background will be Kyoto. The famous Kyoto Tower stands unmistakably in the distance. Keep following the footpath and it will bring you to the grand wooden structure that is Kiyomizudera.
Some interesting artifacts are on display here, such as tools carried by a monk centuries ago. The familiar scent of burning incense, however, will guide you to bigger and better things. Rounding the corner again, guests will find themselves on the famous balcony that gives them yet another beautiful view of Kyoto in the distance, while a nearby pagoda peeks out of trees. If you stand in the right position, both the peeking pagoda and the city view can be captured in the same picture. (Regrettably, as of March 2010, the pagoda was under extensive remodeling. However, it is lovely, I assure you!) Visitors can sit on the steps and enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenery. Sporadically, a large bell will ring at the temple, but it rings in such a manner that it does not startle other visitors. It is assumed that other visitors are offering prayers and ringing the bell as part of the process. The bell will catch your attention, and as you look back, you can see more artifacts on display.
When you've taken in all the panoramic scenery you can handle, continue on the path and you will find yourself on another lovely nature walk. (These never get old in Kyoto!). The usual flowers, fauna, and mosses will be found here. For a once in a lifetime experience, plan your trip here for late March - when all the Sakura (cherry blossoms) will be in full bloom! (Be mindful though that the crowds and prices will be much more unpleasant this time of year because of them!) At the time of my most recent visit, 17 March 2010, a small handful of the trees were beginning to bloom. Oh, to see Kiyomizudera dazzling with pink & white Sakura!
Once you have completed the peaceful trek around the hillside, you will reach the famed freshwater spring. For 200 yen, visitors can sample the water, which falls freely into a cement well from a trough above. Not everybody has given up on the legend of the healing water, as there is usually a substantial line waiting!
Getting to Kiyomizudera is easy! It is another highly popular attraction for which many city and Raku buses make it their final destination (or a highlighted stop on the way). Look for any bus that says "Kiyomizu-Dera" and hop on. Once you get off the bus, follow the crowd up the hill.
Whether you're looking for stunning views of Kyoto or healing water, Kiyomizudera is bound to be at the top of your favorites list.
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