Made of 168 pillars, without a single nail .

This amazing temple offers a beautiful view no matter the season. And this can be enjoyed no matter what. Emphasis on no matter what. We were so excited to come here. The last time around we didn’t make it. We tried, but it was closed when we got the, on the last day we had in Kyoto. So we decided, we definitely had to go this time.

The Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous and celebrated temples in Kyoto.  The temple was founded in 778 AD and contains buildings from the 17^th century, including a main hall designated as a National Treasure.  The temple’s wooden stage is undoubtedly what the temple is most famous for, offering an outstanding panoramic view of Kyoto rising out of a sea of maples. But when we arrived, the temple was under full construction. We could still enter, which we did, but the whole temple was under construction and covered, so we couldn’t see any of the famous structure of the building. I mean what are the odds?

As mentioned, we still did go inside, and on the other side of the temple was the love stones. The Jishu Shrine located to the left when you exit the temple is just above the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera, is a shrine dedicated to Okuninushi, a God of love. In front of the shrine you will find two love stones, which are 18 meters apart. Legend says that if you can find your way from one stone to the other with your eyes closed you will find true love. After visiting the love stones, we went the a large plateau to enjoy the amazing views.

As the last thing, we drank the sacred water filled with good karma at the Otowa no Taki waterfall.

The small street leading up to the temple are narrow and super crowded. But they are also very charming and offers everything from ice creams to kimonos.