Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple)

Kiyomizu Temple is deep along a stone path amid a thick grove of trees, and is the foremost training hall for Tendai Esotericism in the San-in region. Its principal object of worship is the Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (lit. “the 11-faced statue of Kannon”). It is famous as a temple for driving away evil. The grounds cover an area of over 50,000 tsubo (one tsubo is equivalent to 3.3 square meters), and the mountains, valleys, and forests are skillfully utilized to create gorgeous colors throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, autumn foliage in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. The stone path to the temple, which proceeds through the main temple gate amid groves of pines and cedar, also has a unique atmosphere. An illumination event is also held in fall. The three-tiered pagoda rises to a height of 33m within the main temple complex, and is the only multi-storied wooden pagoda in the San-in region. It was erected in 1859. There is detailed ornamentation under the eaves, and it is also possible to climb up inside the pagoda.