Short walk from the ryokan (and a bit lost along the way) – we arrive at the Kiyomizudera. It was so exciting to see the building – but also soooo frustrating cause my camera battery was low bat (already weak due to over usage).
The road to Kiyomizudera was hilly. Left and right there are moms and pops stores. Somehow there's a worm feeling when seeing it. It's really what I always imagine and similar with what you can see in television.
Kiyomizudera, which translates as the "Temple of Pure Water," is a popular temple with young people who come to pray for success in finding a suitable partner at a Shinto shrine set inside the complex. Built in 798 and set in an historic hillside location, the temple is a Kyoto landmark and must-see for most visitors. The main hall is set on a huge wooden terrace which commands a good view of the city and the pleasant temple grounds and pagoda.
Very nice surprise to see Sakura bloomed here! Although not completely. This is not expected - as we came mid March, the Sakura shouldn't start blooking yet in Kyoto. For those of you know Conan the Little Detective anime, I remember one of the comic scene was taking place of this temple. From there we saw the scenic sunset – a bit cloudy though unfortunately. You can see parts of Kyoto from up there.
There is also a Japanese rickshaw if you want to take a ride. I didn’t remember the exact price, but I remember thinking it was too expensive and not value for money. Another thing I find interesting about this place is the fact that the temple have a fruitful orange tree in the garden. When I say fruitful; I really mean like there are hundreds of fruits hanging on this not-so-huge-tree. I was wondering how come no one is picking it (even the falling fruit are untouched). My friend said, it was considered as owned by gods, so no one thinking of taking it. Ha ha… I kept thinking if that tree is planted in my front yard, the fruits wouldn’t last long in the branches.
We went there again at night (while on the way to Maruyama Park); and it was also very nice. Surprisingly the place is still packed with visitors. A lot of them are bringing big bulky expensive camera – showing a definite sign of photography lover.
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