Drink pure water at the Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺) in Kyoto, Japan

*WS 117: drink pure water at the Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺) in Kyoto, Japan*

Kiyomizudera  is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan, located in eastern Kyoto. It was founded in 780 next to the Otowa Waterfall and derives its name from the fall's pure water. It is the main temple of the Kita Hosso sect within Japanese Buddhism, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We made a visit here in 2018. 

The temple is most famous for its huge wooden stage of the main hall jutting out of the slope face. Unfortunately the hall was closed and cladded up for renovation at the time of our visit (1st photo). The 2nd photo shows the main gate, Niomon Gate. There are many buildings here. An important shrine is the Jishu Shrine where women come to pray for love and marriage, with a statue of the Love God (4th and 5th photos).

The Otowa Waterfall is located at the base of the main hall. The 7th photo shows visitors use cups attached to long poles to collect the pure water and drink from them. Lastly the kimono-clad beauties are Taiwanese tourists.