Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu -dera (Japanese清水寺) refers to several Buddhist temples, but most of it the Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera (音 羽山 清水寺) in Eastern Kyoto ( Higashiyama district town ) meant one of the most famous sights of the city. The temple was founded in 1994 along with other sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities ) appointed.
The history of the temple dates back to the year 798, the present building, however, were built in 1633. The temple got its name from the waterfall within the temple complex, which comes down from the nearby hills - kiyoi mizu (清い 水) literally means pure water.
The main hall of Kiyomizu -dera is known for its wide terrace, which was built along with the main hall on a wooden beam construction on a steep mountain slope. The terrace offers a stunning view of the city. The temple has bought up the surrounding land, so as to prevent the construction of skyscrapers.
The Japanese phrase " jump off the terrace of Kiyomizu " (清水 の 舞台 から 飛び降りるkiyomizu no butai kara tobioriru ) means "to struggle through to a decision ." This is reminiscent of a tradition dating from the Edo period, after a man who made the jump from the terrace, all needs were met. This appears to be credible, as the lush vegetation dampens the impact under the terrace. 234 jumps were recorded in the Edo period, and it survived 85.4 % of the jump Springer (nowadays but it is prohibited to jump from the terrace). The distance from the terrace to the ground is only 13 m, but this is an impressive amount of such wood construction.
A wide staircase leads off the main hall at the foot of the slope. Here is the waterfall of the Otowa -no -taki, where three individual water channels plunge into a pool. Temple visitors catch the water in metal bowls and drink it because it is said that it has healing powers and health, brings a long life and success.
The temple complex also houses several Shinto shrines, notably Jishu -jinja, dedicated to the Okuninushino -Mikoto, a god of love. On the grounds there is a pair of " love stones " that are 18 m apart. It is said that people who see with their eyes closed the way from one stone to another, will soon fall in love. Especially like this is tried by Japanese students. If the walking person is helped, it means that an intermediary brings together the lovers.
At the main entrance road of the temple, which is one of the most visited attractions of the city, souvenir shops line: retailers offer different charms on sale, Incense and o- mikuji ( future interpretive up " great misfortune " carry lots, the inscriptions of " lucky " ) there are in abundance.
Pictures
Kyoto from the point of view of Kiyomizu -dera
Tori the Jishu -jinja
Building of Kiyomizu-dera