Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
Registered as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the 1,200-year-old Kiyomizudera Temple is a majestic temple built on a wooden platform. Although the upper part of the temple is currently covered for repairs, we were able to see the unusual wooden platform structure that sustains the gigantic temple. The stone-paved path from the temple to elegant Gion District was filled with numerous eateries and souvenir shops. Gion, also known as the Geisha District, attracts tourists with its elegant traditional merchant houses. We were there too early in the day, so we did not see any geisha, but you might have better luck catching sight of one in the evening on her way to an event or dinner.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Pref. Admission: Adults: 400 yen, Elementary and Middle School: 200 yen * The Jojuin Garden is lit up for Nov. 18-30; hours: 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., admission: 600 yen, elementary and middle school: 300 yen for Nov. 18-30. URL: www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/ TEL: 075-551-1234
