Kiyomizu+Temple

Kiyomizu Temple, officially known as Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera and translating into "Pure Water Temple," is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is known for multiple things, the most interesting being the legend that if citizens of Japan could jump off Kiyomizu's 13 meter stage, one wish would be granted to them. In fact, the expression "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu" became popular because of the practice. The temple is also home to shrines dedicated to many gods, two important notable ones being Ōkuninushi, the god of love, and the Goddess of Mercy. Kiyomizu was even nominated to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Kiyomizu dates back to the year 778 and has been constructed all the way up to 1633. Back in 778, there once lived a monk known as Enchin, who was assigned to find the source of the Yodogawa River. The source he discovered turned out to be the Otowa Waterfall. After it's discovery, it is said that the first military general of Japan, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, visited the waterfall for deer hunting. The deer's blood was thought at the time to be a excellent help with soothing the pain away from childbirth, so he got greedy and used the area to hunt to help his pregnant wife. However, Enchin later caught Sakanoue in his track and convicted him. The general's punishment was to build Kiyomizu Temple and dedicate it to Enchin. Over it's time, it has burned to raging fires, however, in 1633 the temple was rebuilt and in 2004 the gate leading to the temple was repaired too.

Today, Kiyomizu remains standing strong in Kyoto. The temple is known for it's gorgeous views depending on the seasons; in the spring, the cherry blossoms are the main view, while in the fall the maple trees become the beauty. Inside, there is a main hall dedicated to Cannon, the Buddhist god of compassion. Under the main hall, however, the Otowa Waterfall lies beneath. Legend has it that drinking form the waterfall will make something miraculous happen over the time of the drinker's life. The terrace is also a place of interest, as most jumping practices took place on it. It's popularity does bring a drawback as it may be crowded getting around.