Kiyomizudera (清水寺), also known as the “Temple of Pure Water,” is one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was founded in 780 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The temple is best known for its wooden stage, built 13 meters above the hillside, offering beautiful views over cherry and maple trees below.

Behind the main hall stands Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. In front of it are two stones placed about 18 meters apart - legend says that if you can walk from one to the other with your eyes closed, you’ll be lucky in love. You can get help along the way, but according to tradition, that means you’ll need help in your love life too.

At the base of the temple is the Otowa Waterfall - true to its name, “Temple of Pure Water.” Its streams are divided into three channels, and visitors drink from them using long-handled cups. Each stream is said to grant a different benefit: longevity, academic success, or love. Drinking from all three, however, is considered greedy. A big part of the experience is the surrounding area, filled with shops and restaurants.

Kiyomizu-dera is also beautifully illuminated in the evenings during cherry blossom season (late March–early April), autumn foliage (second half of November), and mid-August.