[Kyoto] - Kiyomizudera Temple (音羽山清水寺)

Our brief 15 minutes visit to Kiyomizudera Temple...ㅠㅠ

 This photo was taken at squarish 9m x 9m Tamura Hall with beautiful
hip-and-gable roof (Irimoya-zukuri). Waiting to collect entrance tickets
before left our group and go down the hill to Okamoto Kimono Rental.

 Inner Map of Kiyomizudera Temple.

Finally reached Muromachi style Niomon (仁王門 =Deva Gate)
after mad rush uphill walk with this traditional Kimono. Phew~!

Two Diva Kings, one on either side standing inside the green latices, and  
a pair of  Komainu (狛犬 = Lion-dogs) stand guard to protect temple
and prevent evil spirit to enter the temple ground.

Kiyomizu temple was registered as UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

The open-mouth Deva is commonly placed to the right, and the closed-mouth Deva to the left. Each is named after a particular cosmic sound. The open-mouth figure is called  Agyō (阿形), who is uttering the sound “ah,” meaning birth. His close-mouth partner is called Ungyō (吽形) who sounds “un” or “om,” meaning death. Both combined become sacred word “OM” (オン in Japanese / 唵 in Chinese / 옴 in Korean). 

In Korea normally you'll find Four Heavenly Kings guarding the Korean Buddhist Temples.

 

Spectacular view the city of Kyoto and Kyoto Tower in the distance.

Gable roof (Kiritsuma-zukuri) with six pillars Bell Pavilion (Shoro)
supported this 2 ton of giant bell.


From here, you can see busy Kiyomizu-michi street selling
souvenirs, local foods, Kimono, arts, handicrafts, ceramics, pottery,
confectionery, tea and so on.


Ups? What happen to the highest three-storey pagoda (三重塔 =Sanju-no-to) in Japan?!!

FYI, Kiyomizudera is currently under renovation until 2019.

You'll see grandeur Kiyomizu temple if you're coming for Olympic in 2020.

Nine of the buildings at Kiyomizudera are being renovated step by step.  Currently, the Okunoin Hall, which is well known for the temple's secondary balcony and the neighboring Amida Hall and Shaka Hall are being renovated. Furthermore, a few structures around the entrance, including the 3-storied pagoda, have been wrapped up for renovation. The construction has a certain but not overwhelming impact on a visit. Later in the decade, the Main hall will also undergo renovation which can be expected to have a bigger impact on a visit. (source)

    

Withered cheery blossom looking sadly at blanketed Pagoda...

 

Kaizando (Tamura-do Hall)  beside Pagoda.


  Zuigudo (随求堂) Hall worshiping mother of
Budda Daizuigu Bosatsu (大隨求菩薩).

 
 There is a completely dark hall inside Zuigudo Hall called "Tainai Meguri"
Entering this hall symbolizes you are inside Zuigu Bosatsu or mother's womb.
Feel your own light in the complete darkness!


   Lots of Ema hanging here because Zuigu Bosatsu has
power to fulfill  all kinds of wishes!^^


Simple unpainted Shaka-do Hall has nice detailed hipped roof
(Yosemune-zukuri).


Kiyomizudera Main Hall (Hondo).

The principal image of the Juichimen Senju Kannon Bosatsu  (a standing statue of Eleven-faced  Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined in  inside Zushi (a miniature Buddhist shrine). It's  which is only displayed to public once every 33 years.

Hondo main hall is is designated as a national treasure, and it's the main attraction of the temple

Main hall Kiyomizu Stage sitting on the cliff of Otowa Mountain.

The most interesting part is they did not use a single nail to construct this platform stage. They meticulously chosen beech tree (櫸木) as it said that it can stand up to 800 years. It has been surviving earthquakes, rain, wind and withstand thousands of visitors per day. The next reconstruction of these 139 giant pillars in crisscross pattern only required in year 2430. Wow~! isn't it awesome?!!

In fact, Kiyomizu-dera Temple was selected as one of the finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Although the Secondary Hall (Okuno-in Temple) is under renovation,
but at least I can enjoy the nice view of cherry blossom.

A hidden Buddhist statue of Senju Kannon is the oldest three-faced,one thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu, which still remains in Japan.

Koyasu Pagoda on the opposite mountain with greenery of spring!

Koyasu means “an easy childbirth,” visit this pagoda will automatically bring ease to any woman’s childbirth and have her baby safely. 

Unfortunately, we're not fated to go down to the Waterfall Pond.

Kiyomizu means pure water (清い水) in Japanese. Actually, most of the people visit the temple  to drink drink its sacred "Ougon-sui (golden water)" water from Otowa-no-taki  Waterfall,  and pray for Rokkonshoujyou (Purification of the six roots of perception).

The waterfall is divided into 3 streams. They have same purpose to bring you health, longevity, and wisdom. So, you can choose to drink from either one of the streams, and not all. Note that being greedy will only bring you misfortune!

 

Do you really need to jump to make wish come true?!

The expression "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu" (清水の舞台から飛び降りる) is the Japanese equivalent of the English expression "to take the plunge". 

This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive a 13m jump from  Kiyomizu stage, his wish would be granted, but now this practice is prohibited.

 Reminding myself to be grateful for everything that I have.

 I do believe in Karma, so let's just do more good deeds!

May all sentient beings be free from sufferings, and I also pray that passengers of  Sewol ferry could return safely.

These were last few photos we took before leaving the temple...

   

Or else, the coach will leave without us!

Our guide had warned us for not to be late, as we're heading to Osaka after this. He smiled and asked not to worry... he told us to gave the taxi driver the hotel address in Osaka (printed on our itinerary). The taxi fee is just around 20,000 Yen. He converted it to SGD and MYR for us. What? SGD 225! 

But, I don't mind staying here!

Then, he said very expensive, right?! Then, he taught us this free method to go to Osaka! You should cry as loud as possible. Most of Japanese people are kind and will try to help you. But, you shouldn't talk and say anything... you can make it more dramatic sitting on the floor and cry and using hand language. They might call the police to help you... then you might be sitting inside the police car, and safely arrive at the hotel without paying a single cent! Hahaha... love his crazy idea, but I think it'll only work if you're really a good actor or actress!

 

No worry... be happy!~^^

Kiyomizudera Temple (音羽山清水寺) 

Address: 1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Admission Fee: 200 Yen (Student) / 300 Yen (Adult)
Opening hours: 6:00 - 18:00
Directions:
* Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station to Gojozaka (10 mins), and walk to the temple (10 mins ).
* Bus No. 207 from Shijo-Kawaramachi to Kiyomizu-michi bus stop (6 mins) and walk to the temple (10 mins ).

Not sure whether this is Chawan-zaka (Teapot street) that is also leading

to Kiyomizudeera Temple. This alley is less busier than Kiyomizu-michi.

Kiss Kiss Kyoto~! Love this rustic and ancient city so much!

Related Posts:

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[Kyoto] - Okamoto Kimono Rental

Noticed few tourists walking in Kimono, I asked my guide where to rent it. He said he'll tell me later when we walked to Kiyomizu Temple, but... 

    

OMG! It's impossible to breakthrough the crowd and ask him
the direction after everyone gathered after lunch. ㅠㅠ

 But, we somehow saw this mannequin in Kimono

and black board written in Japanese, but 

"1 day Rental" obviously refer to Kimono rental~^^

We'd to follow to the temple so that we can get the tickets to 

the temple from our guide. 

 After letting our guide know that we'll be joining the group later 

after renting Kimono, we rushed back to Okamoto Kimono rental store.

Kimono Full Scale Attire - 5,000 Yen (SGD 55.00)

For 'Set' plan, the staff will choose the Kimono for you, I might not like the color or pattern. And 'Select' plan is simple kimono without undershirt and obi accessories. So, I opted for most popular 'Full-scale Attire' plan.

 

Kinda hard to choose from 600 folded kimonos,

which you can see small part of the patterns. 

As time constraint, I just quickly grabbed one Kimono with floral patterns as it's spring, Juban (under-robe) and Obi ( おび = sash). Then, I was asked to go dressing room upstairs and my hubby had to wait at the garden. 

There were other guests inside, so had to wait awhile. Finally, the staff handed me white wide undersash, white Tabi socks and big bag to put all my belongings . She asked me to undress and put on undersash, then wear the socks as it'll be difficult to put them on after wearing tight kimono robes.

After that, 2 staffs assisted me to put on Juban robe, tied it with Koshi Himo ribbon (Koshi = waist, Himo = cord). It's also called "Koshi-obi" or "Shita-jime". 

To ensure collar shape not shifting, they secured it with Datejime (sash) before dress me with the main Kimono. Then they adjusted the length, folded the balance around the tummy, and again fasten it with Koshi Himo belt.  

OMG! It's so complicated, which I think it's impossible to wear it yourself especially the final artistic touch... tying Obi sash!

Additional 1,000 Yen for updo hairstyle.

Finally after about 30 minutes including waiting and hairdo, quickly went downstairs as hubby non-stop messaging to remind me that I only left half and hour to walk around. 

You can use kimono sleeves (Tamoto) to store small items or slip it between Kimono robe.
You can  use drawstring bag (Kinchaku) too as Kimono does not have pocket.

Before stepped out, the staff asked me to choose a handbag to put valuable things such as wallet and hp. Then you can leave other items in the big bag with them after you wrote your name and tag to it.

I think it's better to fly with my Obi wings :P 

I think it's already impossible to walk wearing this tight Kimono. Sweating just imagine myself  balancing on wooden base elevated teeth traditional Japanese clogs (Geta) and walking in difficulty and eventually trip down? NO!!!

  

Phew~!^^ Okamoto provided flip flop designed similar to Geta 

but it's made of comfortable rubber sole instead of slippery wood.

Kimono is Japanese traditional clothes back in the Muromachi period (1392-1568).
The word Kimono (きもの) actually means a "thing to wear" (ki = wear, mono = thing).

Yukata is casual kimono made of cotton. Yukata became very popular
during Edo period there were strict laws that prevented people from
living extravagantly, as it's much cheaper than silk kimono. 

 Yukatas traditionally worn in the summer.

Japanese guest houses (Ryokan) usually provide Yukata which you can wear as nightgown and bathrobe and even when having meals or at all times during your stay. It is also common to see guests strolling around their Yukata and Geta around onsen area.

A kimono consists of twelve or more parts and many specific rules,
which made it complicated and extremely dressy garment to wear.

One of the important rules (Kitsuke) to wear Kimono or Yukata is to wrap left panel over right. It's the same application for man and woman. The only exception is for dressing corpse at funerals. To easy remember it, the left panel on top allowing your right hand to slot inside your kimono. 

Japanese people normally only wear Kimono on special occasions.
Wearing Kimono would be equivalent of wearing a formal dress.
 

Obi is worn high to create illusion of longer legs silhouette.
 Straight-line-cut kimono is suitable for all weather.


Kimono is covering the whole body of the wearer.

Therefore, I think this standing straight and crisp collars give elegance yet sexy nuances by showing a bit of neck bones. Do you think so?

Amazed on how they set the collar of Kimono and Juban with some gap at the back of the neck, and not dropping or causing opening of the cross-collared robes. Cool~!

Kimono usually is quite flexible in length as it's normally longer

than our height.

Wearer to adjust the length by tucking the balance under Obi. It created horizontal line running below obi which is called Ohashori. Wearing Kimono without this Ohashori fold is considered bad Kitsuke.

 

Taiko Musubi (Drum Bow).

I kinda love this semi-formal Taiko knot which is suitable for married women. There are few types of knots such as Washikusa musubi,  darari, hanhaba , Chōchō musubi, Fukurasuzume musubi, Tateya musubi, and many more.

These knots are regulated by unwritten propriety rules. 

Generally the more complex and showy knots are for young unmarried women in festive situations, the more subdued for married or mature women or for use in ceremonial situations.

Obi is always different fabric and pattern. It's to complement and contrast 

with Kimono. Fine formal obi might cost more than the entire outfit.

Hair ornaments (Kanzashi) are used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. 

Some models may have been modified for self-defense.

 

The collar of Juban is usually white or different color from Kimono.

Mine is white with flowers embroidery matching with

Flower knot orange pure silk decorative string (Obi-jime).

For better walking, it's advised that your heals should extend 2 to 3 cm
hanging over the end of the geta, so it's align to your centre of gravity
directly over the back teeth of the sole. But it's alright too if your feet
fits geta perfectly.


It's fantastic and fun experience of dressing up in Kimono
stroll in slow rhythm enjoying the rustic charm of ancient city Kyoto.

Maybe next time I'll have complete makeover! Paint my face in white, wear 
long sleeves kimono (furisode), then transform myself to Geiko or Maiko. LOL!


What about 12 layered robe?

Junihitoe is twelve layered robe worn by the high-ranked ladies of the Imperial Court such as empress and princess during Heian period. Keiko for more casual and lightweight version. 

I like Junihitoe as it's like displaying art on the wearer's body to arrange the colors and patterns layer by layer. So beautiful, but putting Kimono took about 30 minutes... what about dressing 12 robes? it might take 2-3 hours?

Seriously... now I really wonder how they walk around wearing those robes, which it said could easily weighted to 20 kg. I think it'll break my backbones and legs just to stand up!  

Ok, see you later at Kiyomizu Temple.

Actually, the rental fee is for 1 day and you can return it at your hotel in Kyoto. But after Kiyomizu, we're heading to Osaka. So, I only had about 20 minutes for outdoor photoshoots, as I'd to go back to the shop to return the kimono and get my belongings. 

Actually instead of strolling, I was like crazy woman sprinting all the way to the top of Kiyomizu Temple and back. I perspired a lot though the weather was cold. It's kinda unbelievable wearing tight, thick kimono and geta, maybe I broke the world's record! :P  

Okamoto Kimono

Reservation: kiyomizuzaka@okamoto-kimono.com
Tel: 075-525-7115
Add: 2-237-1-1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, 〒605-0862
Operating hours: Daily 9:00 - 20:00


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