Perched on a hill overlooking Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺; kiyomizudera.or.jp/en) is one of Kyoto's most popular temples for a reason and, despite the crowds, never loses its wow factor, especially during night-time illuminations in spring and autumn.
First built in 798 and part of the Hossō school of Buddhism, the present buildings are reconstructions dating from 1633. Don't miss the tainai-meguri (¥100 donation), beneath Zuigu-dō, the pagoda just left (north) of the temple's main entrance. Here, you symbolically enter the womb of Bodhisattva Daizuigu Bosatsu. When you get to the rock in the darkness, spin it in either direction and make a wish.
Next, ascend up more stairs to the Hondō (Main Hall), known for its 200-sq-mile butai (stage) veranda. Made of hinoki (cypress), it's raised 13m above the hillside on eighteen 400-year-old zelkova wood pillars that offer soaring city views.
Behind the Hondō is Jishu-jinja, a Shintō shrine up the steps. To ensure romantic success, close your eyes and walk about 18m between a pair of stones – if you miss, you won't find love! You can ask someone to guide you, but if you do, you won't find true love without help.
The hillside path wends down to the waterfall Otowa-no-taki, where visitors drink sacred waters believed to bestow health and longevity.
