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Kiyomizu Is The Most Famous Buddhist Temple In Japan

Kiyomizu Is The Most Famous Buddhist Temple In Japan

Published on Apr. 23, 2007 by

Breathtaking Japanese buddist temple in eastern Kyoto which was founded in the year 778. Famous for being featured in many blockbuster movies and for being on UNESCO world heritage list.

ancient shrine in kyoto in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japangorgeous gate in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanshopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanshopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site

 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanshopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanmatt at the gate in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japankyoto in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Beneath the main hall is the Otowa waterfall, where three channels of water fall into a pond. Visitors can catch and drink the water, which is believed to have therapeutic properties.

kiyomizu gate in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japankiyomizu gate

Drinking the water of the three streams is said to confer wisdom, health, and longevity. 

 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japancool tea house at kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japana cleanse with water from the kiyomizu hills in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, JapanJapanese sandals at a shopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japandelicious food on display at kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanhistoric taxis in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two; if you are greedy and drink from all three, you invite misfortune upon yourself. 

Japanese girls and matt at kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, JapanJapanese girls and matt at kiyomizu

The temple complex includes several other shrines, among them the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, a god of love and "good matches".

 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanshopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanshopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanat kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanview from kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Jishu Shrine possesses a pair of "love stones" placed 6 meters/20 feet apart, which lonely visitors can try to walk between with their eyes closed.

letters in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanletters

Success in reaching the other stone with their eyes closed implies that the pilgrim will find love, or true love. One can be assisted in the crossing, but this is taken to mean that a go-between will be needed. The person's romantic interest can assist them as well.

kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanwith some locals at kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japankiyomizu front view in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japankitty at kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanfront entrance in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japanshopping street in kyoto near kiyomizu in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

I had a fun day at Kiyomizu and learned a lot, on the the next adventure, karaoke time in downtown Kyoto with my Japanese friends.

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