Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is a Buddhist Temple and Unesco World Heritage site in Eastern Kyoto. The temple belongs to the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is one of the oldest and most famous temples in the city, with commanding views over the tree tops to Kyoto. Sadly this makes it an incredibly popular tourist destination. Be prepared to get there for 6 am if you want to avoid the crowds.
At the top of a big stone staircase, atop a very big hill, a large wooden building built on stilts. Over time it has settled and sagged into a comfortable robust slump (there is not one nail used in the whole temple). Kiyomizu means pure water, clear water, and water is very important here. There is a waterfall. People take the waters as a cure-all. The gardens are impressive with many terraces linked by leafy stone stairs. Everything clings to the side of the hill...
Thought
The elements are worshipped here because they're power to foster and destroy life is understood and respected.
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