Our first day in Kyoto
I found an interesting resource with the Japan National Tourist Organization which outlined a spiritual walking tour of eastern Kyoto among other things. It had intriguing directions like "At the spice shop, make right to a narrow lane called Sannenzaka Lane" which suited me just fine. So armed with these sometimes cryptic directions, we started off.
Finished with our detour, we return to the Todoroki-mon gate to wash our hands at the Owl Washing Basin (named for the owl motif on the foundation stone under the basin) before entering the temple.
A closer view of the dragon fountain
A panoramic view of the forest and mountains visible from Kiyomizu.
We continue our walk towards the main hall
A video of our entrance into the main hall and a view of the ground far below.
We look down on the Otowa-No-Taki waterfall
Josh walks along the main hall
Looking into the innermost sanctuary of the main hall
Various charms are offered for sale in the main hall
Looking back along the main hall
Behind and above the main hall is the Jishu Shrine where Okuninushi-no-mikoto is venerated as a god of love and matchmaking.
We pass under the torii of the Jishu Shrine
We continue our climb up to the Jishu Shrine
One of the main features of the Jishu Shrine are the two love stones which are spaced 18 meters apart. The legend says that if you can walk unassisted from the first stone to the second, your love will come soon, otherwise it will take a long time. Someone, including your own love, can help you along the way, but that means you will need an intermediator to achieve your love.
The first of the two love stones
Various love charms for sale
A display of prayer papers
Various scenes from Jishu Shrine
Various scenes from Jishu Shrine
For fulfillment of various wishes. Pat the Nade-Daikoku-San figure to have your wish granted
The second love stone
The sign describing the legend. If you can walk unassisted from the first stone to the second, your love will come soon, otherwise it will take a long time. Someone, including your own love, can help you along the way, but that means you will need an intermediate to achieve your love.
Two young couples attempted the walk while we were there
He's getting close to the second stone, will he make it?
Josh taking a photo of this small shrine
The picture that Josh took
A plaque explaining the background of the Jishu Shrine
The English translation of the Jishu Shrine plaque
Various scenes from Jishu Shrine
Amida-Do, the Amida Hall with the image of Amida Nyorai, Buddha of Infinite Wisdom and Compassion
We continue on past the Amida Hall
We visit Nurete Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy with wet hands
It was thanks to Josh that we took this, and many other, interesting little detours.
To pour water over the Nurete Kannon image when worshipping is considered an act of purification and an expression of respect.
A map of Kiyomizu-Dera. Note the "You are here" red pointer at the top.
A panoramic view of the Kiyomizu-Dera main hall. we've now climbed about 300 feet above our starting elevation
Another panoramic view of the Kiyomizu-Dera main hall with me (John) in the foreground
Another panoramic view of the Kiyomizu-Dera main hall. Note the tiny, distant spire of the Kyoto Tower silhouetted by the mountains behind it.
My son Josh and me (John) in a traditional photo shot in front of the main hall
And now it is time to start back down
But before we go, we take one last view of the main hall
At the bottom of the stairway it is only 9:30 in the morning, but we are already hot and sweaty. We found this small open ice cream shop where we stop in to cool off.
We enjoy our shaved ice and cream. Yes, I see the beer but keep in mind that it is around 8 PM back home so it's OK.
The Otowa-No-Taki waterfall. It is said that drinking the water of the three streams confers wisdom, health and longevity. However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two. If you drink from all three, the charm may be lost due to your greed.
Josh takes a drink from the Otowa-No-Taki waterfall. Note the ultraviolet lamps to sterilize the drinking cups.
A stone lantern at the foot of the main hall
A view of the main hall from the bottom showing the stilts.
We're looking down Kiyomizuzaka Street as we prepare to continue our spiritual walk.