Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera, nestled amidst the verdant hills of Eastern Kyoto, is a historic temple that has become an emblem of Japan's cultural heritage. Founded in the late Nara period in 778, the temple is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out from its Main Hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. This stage affords visitors a breathtaking view of the cherry and maple trees that explode in a riot of color in spring and fall, as well as a panoramic vista of the city of Kyoto.

The temple's name, Kiyomizu, means "pure water" and is derived from the Otowa Waterfall that runs at the site, where three channels of water fall into a pond. Pilgrims and tourists alike partake in the water, which is believed to have wish-granting powers.

Kiyomizu-dera's architectural splendor is best exemplified by the fact that it was constructed without the use of nails. The Main Hall, which houses the temple's primary object of worship, a statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon, is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of Japan's ancient carpenters.

The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Throughout the year, Kiyomizu-dera hosts various traditional events, such as the evening illuminations during the spring and autumn seasons that draw in crowds seeking to experience its ethereal beauty against the night sky.

Kiyomizu-dera is not just a site of ancient architecture and scenic beauty, but also a living center of Buddhist practice, attracting devotees who come to pray for success, good fortune, and longevity.