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Temples & Shrines

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One of the most beloved Temples in Kyoto, houses The Otowa-no-taki, a waterfall that is said to have great healing powers. The Jishu Shrine is dedicated to the deity of love. Accomplishing some of the attractions is said to bring you good luck in your love life.

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The temple dates back to 798, but the present buildings were constructed in 1633. The main hall with its distinctive hip-shaped roof of cypress bark rests on the platform, and houses the statue of Kannon Bodhisattva, the goddess of mercy. From the platform, you can enjoy the fine view of western Kyoto city and the beautiful sun set if you get a chance, which may also explain the romantic associations accorded to the temple. There is a shrine on the grounds that is said to bring good luck in finding love. People desirous of a romantic partner can be seen walking between two prominent stones with their eyes closed. If one can make the journey alone, this is taken as a sign that the pilgrim will find love. Those who need assistance in making the crossing will require an intermediary to help them find their mate. The temple takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu (清水) literally means pure water, clear water or limpid water. Kiyomizu is perhaps the most beloved of Kyoto's temples. People come to the temple to drink water from the falls by collecting it in tin cups; the water is said to have therapeutic properties, and drinking from the three different streams is said to confer health, longevity and success in studies.