清水板

Whispers of “Kiyomizu-dera” echo through the ages. Here we stand before Kiyomizu-dera, a testament to faith and resilience. Founded in 778, even before Kyoto became the capital, Kiyomizu-dera’s story begins with a dream. A monk named Enchin envisioned a divine spring. He journeyed up the Kizugawa River, finally discovering the Otowa Waterfall. This “pure water” gave the temple its name, Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera has been a beacon of hope for over 1200 years. The temple’s main hall houses a statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. Kannon is a symbol of compassion, open to people from all walks of life. The temple grounds are vast, spreading across 130,000 square meters. They hold numerous buildings, each rebuilt time and again after fires. The current structures mainly date back to a 1633 reconstruction. The wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera is an architectural marvel. Imagine 168 pillars and 400 cedar floorboards, all interlocked without nails. This ingenious design allows for breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. Below the stage, the Otowa Waterfall cascades into three streams. Each stream is said to grant a different blessing: success, love, or longevity. Choose one and drink, but not from all, for greed is frowned upon. Kiyomizu-dera is more than just a temple. It is a vibrant part of Kyoto’s cultural fabric. The nearby Sannenzaka shopping street offers local delicacies and souvenirs. You can find nama-yatsuhashi, soft mochi cakes filled with various flavors. Kiyomizu-dera stands as a symbol of enduring spirit. A place where history, faith, and breathtaking beauty converge. It’s a place where wishes are whispered and dreams take flight. A true treasure of Kyoto.