Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)
or Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺)

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), known more fully as Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site. (It should not be confused with Kiyomizu-dera in Yasugi, Shimane, which is part of the 33-temple route of the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage through western Japan)

Origin and history
Kiyomizu-dera was founded in the early Heian period. The temple dates back to 798, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633, during a restoration ordered by the Tokugawa Iemitsu. Not one nail is used in the whole temple. It takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water.

It was originally affiliated with the old and influential Hossō sect dating from Nara times. However, in 1965 it severed that affiliation, and its present custodians call themselves members of the 'Kitahossō' sect.

The main hall has a large veranda, supported by tall pillars, that juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the city. Large verandas and main halls were constructed at many popular sites during the Edo period to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims.

The popular expression 'to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu' is the Japanese equivalent of the English expression 'to take the plunge'. This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive a 13m jump from the stage, one's wish would be granted. Two hundred thirty-four jumps were recorded in the Edo period and, of those, 85.4% survived. The practice is now prohibited.

Beneath the main hall is the Otowa waterfall, where three channels of water fall into a pond. Visitors can catch and drink the waters, which is believed to have therapeutic properties. Drinking the water of the three streams is said to confer wisdom, health, and longevity. However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two; if you are greedy and drink from all three, you invite misfortune upon yourself.

The temple complex includes several other shrines, among them the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, a god of love and 'good matches'. Jishu Shrine possesses a pair of 'love stones' placed 18 meters apart, which lonely visitors can try to walk between with their eyes closed. Success in reaching the other stone with their eyes closed implies that the pilgrim will find love, or true love. One can be assisted in the crossing, but this is taken to mean that a go-between will be needed. The person's romantic interest can assist them as well.

The complex also offers various talismans, incense, and omikuji (paper fortunes). The site is particularly popular during festivals (especially at New Year's and during obon in the summer) when additional booths fill the grounds selling traditional holiday foodstuffs and souvenirs to throngs of visitors.

In 2007, Kiyomizu-dera was one of 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World. However, it was not picked as one of the seven winning sites.

Web References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera

Kurama-dera Temple is a mountain temple with a long history and a unique atmosphere. It is considered by some to contain special spiritual energy, and over the years many famous people have come here to meditate. There is a path from the main hall which circles the mountain through groves of towering cedar trees which scent the fresh air. Nearer to the temple buildings, the air is scented with incense. There are many places which afford you stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The temple was founded in 770 by Gantei, a monk from Nara who was seeking a refuge in the wilderness for meditation. In the north of Kyoto, he happened across a white horse that he followed to what is now known as Kurama Valley. There, after experiencing a vision of a Buddhist deity, he established his temple. The teachings of Kurama-dera Temple have evolved over the years, and now comprise their own sect of Buddhism, in which the spirits of the local mountain play a part.

A visit to Kurama is well worth the effort. It is a chance to blend great hiking with time well spent investigating ancient and somewhat mysterious temple buildings.

* Address: 1074 Kurama-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
* Tel.:075-741-2003
* Access: Eizan Railway Kurama Station 5-minute walk
* Hours: 9:00-16:30 (9:00-16:30 Reihou-den only (Treasure Room))
* Open all year (12/12-February Reihou-den closed)
* Entrance Fee: Higher than high school student 200 yen

Web References: http://www.kyoto.travel/2009/11/kurama-dera-temple.html