Kiyomizu-dera

se_0.0

In Japan, there's a proverb that success comes to those who 'take the stage with the resolve to leap,' meaning taking bold decisions. The stage refers to the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera, which is 13 meters above the ground. During the Edo period, it was not uncommon for young people to jump off the stage, believing that surviving the fall would grant their wishes. Out of 234 recorded instances, 34 resulted in death, indicating a surprisingly high success rate. The existence of trees beneath the stage likely contributed to the survivors' fate. However, this practice diminished following a prohibition by the Kyoto Prefecture in 1872, and no such occurrences happen now.

Kiyomizu-dera is among the most popular temples in Kyoto, located on the mid-slopes of Mount Otowa in eastern Kyoto, named for the clean waters of Otowa's waterfall. Before Kyoto became the capital, a monk from Nara founded the temple in 778 AD by enshrining a statue of Kannon under a waterfall cliff.

The temple's gate, "Niōmon," is red and features two Niō statues, one with a closed mouth and the other open, symbolizing birth and death. The architecture within the temple grounds spans several periods, with the Niōmon being from the Muromachi period.

Passing Niōmon, you'll see the West Gate, built in the early Edo period for viewing the scenery. It’s red with a black roof, designed to expel evil and punish sinners.

Behind the West Gate is the three-story pagoda, rebuilt in the early Edo period, standing at 31 meters and marked as Japan’s largest wooden tower. The use of red in Buddhism is notable in these structures.

The main hall, reconstructed in 1633, is massive, with a front of 36m, side of 30m, and stage height of 18m. It’s constructed using the Kakezukuri method, with 139 columns made entirely without nails. The roof is layered with Japanese cypress bark, preferred for its longevity and lightness.

Descending from the main hall leads to a shrine where water from Otowa’s waterfall drops in three streams, symbolizing wisdom, love, and longevity. Drinking from all signifies greed and is discouraged, reflecting Buddhist teachings.

Photos, writing by: Jung Se-young (@se_0.0)