Kiyomizudera Temple (Pure Water Temple)

Kiyomizudera Temple is one of Japan's most popular temples. 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.
The temple complex contains several other shrines, notably Jishu-jinja, dedicated to Okuninushino-Mikoto, a god of love and "good matches". Jishu-jinja possesses a pair of "love stones" placed 18 meters apart, which lonely visitors attempt to walk between with their eyes closed. Success in reaching the other stone, eyes closed, is taken as a presage that the pilgrim will find love. One can be assisted in the crossing, but this is taken to mean that an intermediary will be needed. The complex also includes all the fixtures of a popular temple, being one of the most-visited attractions of the city: hawkers offering various talismans, incense, and o-mikuji (paper fortunes ranging from "great fortune" to "great ill") abound. Indeed the high popularity of the place means that tourists will find it difficult to take pictures on the main temple's platform.
Although Kiyomizudera Temple was founded in 780 AD, 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. The architecture of Kiyomizudera Temple has been imitated by lesser temples all over Japan and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The main hall of Kiyomizudera Temple is notable for its vast veranda, supported by hundreds of wooden pillars, which juts out over the hillside and offers beautiful views of the city.
As one of the most-visited attractions of the city, Kiyomizudera Temple also abounds with hawkers offering various talismans, incense, and o-mikuji (paper fortunes ranging from "great fortune" to "great ill").

Tip: Kiyomizudera can be reached from the Kyoto Station 15 minute bus journey will take you to the Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. The buses numbered 100 or 206 reach the bus stop, Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, nearest to the temple. Form the bus stop 10-15 minute uphill walk along the steep and busy lanes of the Higashiyama district will take you to the temple. Admission fee for the temple is 300 yen. The temple remains open on all days of the week from 6:00 to 18:00.