An Intimate Exploration into Kyoto: Serene Solitudes & Timeless Tales

— Article 10: Kiyomizu-Dera, A Beacon of Ancient Splendor in the Contemporary World —

On a serene May morning in 2021, my footsteps led me to the venerable Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a jewel in Kyoto’s crown and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 8th century, Kiyomizu-Dera, together with the bustling path leading towards Yasaka Shrine, typically resonates with the vibrant lifeblood of Kyoto. Here, the symphony of smiling faces, animated conversations, fervent prayers, and the quaint charm of souvenir shops usually weaves an enchanting tapestry of tranquility.

However, amidst the solitude rendered by the pandemic, I stumbled upon a revelation: the temple’s ethereal beauty and ancient aura stood undisturbed, untouched by the usual throngs of visitors.

Niomon: A Resplendent Portal to Time-Honored Traditions

Ascend to History: The Stairway Past Saimon and Sanjunoto

The Butai of Hondo: Where Kiyomizu-Dera’s Soul Resides

Butai and Sanjunoto from the Secluded Garden

Navigating through a corridor of souvenir shops, the Niomon Gate, a sublime reconstruction from the 15th century, marked a gateway to antiquity. Ascent along the Saimon gate and the Sanjunoto (a majestic three-story tower) led to the Hondo, the temple’s heart. The Hondo’s Butai (stage) is a crowning glory among Japan’s 75,000 temples. Because of its height, Japanese people have a proverb, “jumping down from the Butai of Kiyomizu,” which means gathering the courage to take a significant risk.

Koyasunoto Tower: A Sentinel’s View from the Butai

From this vantage point, the panoramic view encompasses the Koyasunoto Tower, an edifice dating back to 1500 A.D., housing deities that watch over childbirth and motherhood.

Sanjunoto: An Epochal Three-Story Testament to the Past

Kyoto Panorama: A Glimpse through the Timeless Saimon Gate

Saimon Gate: A Tapestry of Elegance in Detail

Saimon and Sanjunoto: A Harmonious Contrast from Across the Ages

A sojourn back to the Sanjunoto, a 17th-century reconstruction, revealed a plethora of exquisite decorations. The Saimon (West Gate) presented a breathtaking vista of Kyoto’s cityscape. My journey culminated in a 2-kilometer descent towards the Yasaka Shrine, a passage through the most jubilant route in Kyoto.

For those unacquainted with the tranquil elegance of Kyoto, I recommend beginning your journey with my inaugural piece, “An Intimate Exploration into Kyoto: Serene Solitudes & Timeless Tales — Article 1: Lesser Known Gems.”

Anticipate the next chapter in this series, where I will unveil the springtime splendor of flowers adorning Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites. The first article of the series will be “Daigoji Temple in the Peak of Cherry Blossom Season.”

Wishing you a year filled with joy and discovery.