Kiyomizu Temple is known throughout Japan for the great views from its main hall. It was founded in 798 and rebuilt in 1633 by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. Most visitors come for the views and grounds. A priest from Nara was told in a vision to… “Look for the clear water origin of the Yodo river” In a long search, he stumbled upon a place deep in the forest greenery where a mist, like a belt of white clouds, hung over a waterfall at the foot of Mt. Otowa.” The temple is named for this waterfall on its grounds (“Kiyoi mizu” means pure water).

This famous temple…View image was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in December 1994 and is the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism.

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto
Before reaching the temple, you walk past the Omiyage shops lining the way. Through the main gate into Kiyomizu Temple and under another gate. Up the steps to still another gate, the West Gate.

Kiyomizu Temple area map, Kyoto
Not only were there tourists everywhere, but a peaceful protest was taking place…

Kiyomizu Temple protest over tax in Kyoto
…and by the Jishu Shinto Shrine behind Kiyomizu’s main hall, Shinto priests dressed in traditional robes were walking in to conduct a ceremony.

Shinto ceremony at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto 

Shinto priests in white robes at Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto 

the main priest of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
Time for a little fun at Kiyomizu, first, the obligatory group photo…Irv, the two Charles, Ellen, Sue, Peg, Harry, Mary, Nancy, Shirley and Dave. Great traveling companions who added so much to the experience…

Touring and Hiking Kita Alps group in Kyoto, Japan
…photographs behind cardboard cut-outs…

Geisha Sheila at Kiyomizu Temple, Japan 

Shogun Steve at Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto
…the last group dinner for Shabu-shabu, one of the few Japanese meals that we both loved. …View image… Our tastes have grown more sophisticated since then but we still have a difficult time eating seaweed and fish for breakfast. Some things never change. Shabu-shabu is similar to sukiyaki. Both use slices of meat and vegetables and are served with dipping sauces.

Kate asked each of us for our thoughts on the trip and I said then and still maintain that it was one of the best total experiences I’ve ever had. Loved:

- Clopping down the streets in my breezy yakata to the local baths;

- Hiking through the Kita Alps where there were no other Westerners other than our group;

- Bathing in the volcanic spring onsen;

- Spreading out the futon, blankets and buckwheat hull pillows to sleep on;

- Spending several nights in Miyorenji Buddhist Monastery;

- Learning culturally sensitive etiquette; and

- Kate’s brilliant history, geography and local knowledge. Her love of Japan and its people showed through every word and action.

Kate is pretty in pink at farewell dinner in Kyoto, Japan
If possible, pick a tour that will give you some of these experiences. Again, check out Adventure Center for their current list of Japanese tours (I’m looking at either their “Tatami Trails” or “Shogun Trail” for next Spring).

How time flies. This trip took place in 1987, 25 years ago! Would you believe Steve and I have scheduled a return trip to Japan in April 2012 with Mountain Travel Sobek? This time on the Nakasendo trail that once linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. So many places to go, see and return to. Two lifetimes would not be enough… Sayonara…

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