In Heian times, Kiyomizu-dera was the closest major pilgrimage site to the capital, Kyoto, and probably the most popular. It was situated in an area then known generally as the Eastern Hills (Higashiyama). |
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Kiyomizudera Temple with its pagoda on the
skyline. |
In the Evening Faces chapter of The Tale of Genji, the object of Genji's affections dies in mysterious circumstances and he has a secret funeral for her at a small temple near Kiyomizu. On the way back, the grief-stricken Genji falls from his horse at the Kamo River and Koremitsu has to make a supplication to Kiyomizu before they are able to continue. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple has been a popular
pilgrimage since Heian times. |
Kiyomizu-dera is the 16th temple on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage and five of its halls form part of the Rakuyo Pilgrimage. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple has a large
veranda looking out over Kyoto and beyond. |
The popular Jishu-jinja Shrine is located on the temple grounds, and both shrine and temple are packed with tourists and pilgrims every day of the week. |
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The Shinto deity Okuninushi no Mikoto and his messenger
rabbit at the Jishu-jinja shrine beside Kiyomizudera can help in
matters of the heart. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple Okunoin. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple pond. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple Shakado. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple pagoda and cherry blossom. |
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Stone images at Kiyomizudera Temple. |
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Kiyomizudera Temple hondo and pagoda. |
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Monk outside Kiyomizudera Temple. |