Kofukuji Temple

On 4th May, hubby and I visited Kofukuji Temple. Kofukuji is a Buddhist temple located in Nara City of Nara prefecture. The temple serves as the national headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism in Japan. The origin of Kofukuji Temple dates back to 669 AD when Kagami-no-Okimi, consort of the statesman Fujiwara-no-Kamatari, established a temple at the family estate in Yamashina Suehara (present day Kyoto prefecture) to pray for the recovery of Kamatari's illness. This early Fujiwara tutelary temple was first known as Yamashina-dera. In the temple Kagami-no-Okimi enshrined images of a Shaka triad that had originally been commissioned at the behest of Kamatari upon his defeat of the Soga clan in 645. In 672, the temple was moved to Umayasaka near Fujiwara-kyo, the ancient imperial capital of Japan located in Yamato province (present-day Kashihara in Nara prefecture), and the temple was renamed Umayasaka-dera. In 710, the national capital was transferred and established in Heijo-kyo, the present-day Nara City. So the same year the temple was dismantled yet again and Kamatari’s son Fujiwara-no-Fuhito moved the temple to its current location in a central block of Nara City. The temple was renamed Kofukuji and grew rapidly in size and wealth under the patronage of successive emperors and empresses, and members of the powerful Fujiwara clan. The temple developed a particularly close connection with the northern branch of the Fujiwara clan, under whose sponsorship the temple gained considerable power. The temple ranked as one of the Four Great Temples of the Nara period (710-794), and one of the Seven Great Temples of the Heian period (794-1185). During the Heian period, Kofukuji exercised virtual control over Kasuga Shrine, and became a dominant political power in the Yamato province. The temple prospered, but when the Fujiwara clan’s power gradually faded in the 12th century, the temple lost its influential patrons and began to decline. In the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods, the Shogunate made Kofukuji the protector of Yamato province. But the resources of the temple were eroded during the latter years of the Muromachi period. In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu attempted to revive Kofukuji as a purely religious establishment, which made possible the renovation and reconstruction of many temple buildings. The temple was severely affected by the anti-Buddhist policies of the early years of the Meiji period (1868-1912), at which time Kasuga Shrine became independent under the government ordinance forcing the separation of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The majority of the property of Kofukuji Temple was confiscated at that time, but the temple managed to recover and continues today as a head temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism. The temple was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1998 and forms part of the ‘historic monuments of ancient Nara’ listing.

Kofukuji Temple was damaged and destroyed by civil wars and fires many times. The destruction by the Heike civil wars (Genpei War) in 1180 was devastating, during which the Taira clan, the rivals of Fujiwara clan, completely destroyed all the original temple buildings from the Nara period. After the Minamoto clan’s victory in the war in 1185, many of the temple buildings were rebuilt in the 13th and 15th centuries, and were copies of the Nara period originals. Afterwards the temple gradually started eroding but fortunately Tokugawa Ieyasu provided a grant to the temple in the early 17th century to allow many of the buildings in the complex to be restored. Again there was a fire at the temple premises in 1717, and many of the important buildings were lost but most of them were not rebuilt. Additionally the policy of separation between Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples by the Meiji government abandoned this temple in 1868. The temple was allowed to rebuild in 1881, and the buildings were repaired. However, many of the buildings and gates were never reconstructed, so the current temple complex is without gates and fences. Today only a handful of the temple's original 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 13th to 15th centuries. Many of the buildings and the sculptures that they contain have been designated as national treasures by the Japanese government.

As I wrote in the previous post, hubby and I first visited Todaiji Temple in Nara Koen Park on 4th May. After seeing various buildings and statues inside Todaiji Temple premises, we left the temple and started walking along a paved pathway with many tourists all around us. After about 20 minutes of leisurely walking, we reached right in front of Kofukuji Temple premises. In fact, Kofukuji Temple is located just 1.3 kilometers southwest of Todaiji Temple, and is located midway between Nara Koen Park and Kintetsu Nara Railway Station. Since many buildings and structures of Kofukuji Temple were burnt in fires during wars in the medieval era and many of them were not rebuilt, the present-day temple complex is not enclosed. With no entrance gates or fences, visitors can enter the temple complex from any direction. We entered the temple premises from the north-northeast and directly reached into the grounds of the temple premises. And we saw two majestic adjacent wooden buildings right in front of us. The buildings are named Tokondo or the Eastern Golden Hall and Gojunoto or the five-storied pagoda. We appreciated the architecture of the two buildings for some time and clicked a few photos of the buildings from various positions and angles. In the next two paragraphs I will write in details about these two buildings.

Hubby standing in front of a map of Kofukuji Temple premises

Tokondo (left) and Gojunoto (right) buildings as viewed from the northwest

Hubby standing inside the temple premises along with the two buildings in the background

Tokondo (left) and Gojunoto (right) buildings as viewed from the west

Tokondo or the Eastern Golden Hall was originally constructed at the behest of Emperor Shomu in 726 for a speedy recovery of the ailing Empress Gensho. The current building was built in 1415. It is wooden rectangular building having a width of 25.6 meters and a depth of 14.1 meters. The building was constructed in Yosemune-zukuri architectural style and covered with hipped roof of Hongawara-buki formal tiles. The front facade of the building is open like a verandah and is marked by thick wooden columns with no enclosing parts. The inner sanctuary is enclosed. The building maintains an ambience of the original Nara period structure and is designated as a national treasure. This hall building has a display of first-rate collection of many Buddhist statues. The principal deity enshrined inside the hall is a large image of Yakushi Nyorai or the Healing Buddha. In addition, images of Nikko Bosatsu (Bosatsu of sun), Gakko Bosatsu (Bosatsu of moon), Monju Bosatsu (Bosatsu of wisdom), Four Heavenly Kings Shitenno, Twelve Heavenly Generals Junishinsho, and a mortal sage Yuima Koji are also enshrined inside the hall. The images of Yakushi Nyorai, Nikko Bosatsu, and Gakko Bosatsu are designated as important cultural properties. The images of Monju Bosatsu, Shitenno, Junishinsho, and Yuima Koji are designated as national treasures. There is an admission fee of 300 Yen per person to enter inside this building but we skipped entering the hall to see all these images this time as we were not having enough time that day. We appreciated the building architecture for some time and took a few photos from various positions and angles.

Tokondo Hall as viewed from the front (west)

Hubby standing in front of the hall building

The hall as viewed from the southwest

Next we saw Gojunoto or the five-storied pagoda situated adjacent to (south of) the Tokondo Hall. This wooden pagoda is a landmark and symbol of Nara. It was constructed by Empress Komyo in 730. The current building is a restoration completed in 1426. In fact, the pagoda had burnt down five times before this 15th century restoration. It is 50.1 meters tall and is the second tallest pagoda in Japan, just five meters shorter than the five-storied pagoda of Toji Temple in Kyoto. All the five roofs of the Kofukuji pagoda have Hongawara-buki formal tiles and the projection of the eaves of the roofs is deep. The building maintains an ambience of the original Nara period structure and is designated as a national treasure. This pagoda currently houses four Buddha triads (Buddha and two attendants). Enshrined around the central pillar of the first story of the building are a Yakushi (Healing Buddha) triad to the east, a Shaka (Historical Buddha) triad to the south, an Amida (Buddha of the Western Paradise and Infinite Life) triad to the west, and a Miroku (Buddha of the Future) triad to the north. We appreciated the building architecture for some time and took photos of the pagoda from various positions and angles.

Gojunoto or the five-storied pagoda as viewed from the northwest

I am standing in front of the pagoda

The pagoda as viewed from the front (west) while standing near it

The pagoda as viewed from the front while standing a bit far from it

We leisurely walked inside the temple premises and next saw an octagonal wooden building named Nanendo or the Southern Octagonal Hall. The hall is significant because it is temple number nine of the West Japan thirty-three Kannon temple pilgrimage route. The hall was founded and first constructed in 813 by Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu. However, the hall building was destroyed several times by fires of war, and the present building is the fourth one since its foundation. In fact, the present building is a reconstruction dating from 1789. The building has Hongawara-buki tiled-roof architectural style. Each wall of the octagonal hall is 6.4 meters wide, and the face-to-face diameter of the walls of the octagonal hall is 15.5 meters. The hall building is designated as an important cultural property. The principal image enshrined inside the hall is that of Fukukensaku Kannon or the Bosatsu of Unfailing Fishing Line. In addition, statues of the six patriarchs of the Hosso School as well as the Four Heavenly Kings Shitenno are also enshrined inside. All these statues are national treasures. The hall is open to the public only once a year, on October 17th. We loved seeing the detailed architectural style of the octagonal building and clicked a few photos of the hall building.

Nanendo Southern Octagonal Hall as viewed from the front (east)

Hubby standing in front of the hall

I am standing near the entrance area of Nanendo Hall

From the Nanendo Hall area, we saw Sanjunoto or a three-storied pagoda located downhill in the southwest corner of the temple premises. Sanjunoto pagoda was built at the behest of the consort of Emperor Sutoku in 1143. The pagoda was destroyed by a fire in 1180 but was soon rebuilt at the beginning of the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The present building is this 12th century reconstruction, and is one of the oldest buildings in the temple premises. The pagoda is 19.1 meters tall and has Hongawara-buki tiled-roof architectural style. It is designated as a national treasure. On the first story of the pagoda are four Buddhist paintings on wood depicting 1000 images each of Yakushi Nyorai (east), Shaka Nyorai (south), Amida Nyorai (west), and Miroku Nyorai (north). Standing at the Nanendo Hall area, we noted that there were quite a few steps along the walkway leading to the pagoda building. We were a bit tired due to walking the entire day visiting various sightseeing places, so we skipped going to Sanjunoto pagoda building and enjoyed seeing the three roofs of the pagoda from the Nanendo Hall area.

Sanjunoto three-storied pagoda

Next we walked towards the northern direction inside the temple premises, and after a couple of minutes we reached right in front of another octagonal wooden building named Hokuendo or the Northern Octagonal Hall. Hokuendo was originally built by Empress Genmei and Empress Gensho in 721, to honor the first anniversary of the death of Fujiwara-no-Fuhito. The current building is a reconstruction which dates from approximately 1210. This building is one of the oldest buildings in the temple premises. The building has Hongawara-buki tiled-roof architectural style. Each wall of the octagonal hall is 4.9 meters wide, and the face-to-face diameter of the walls of the octagonal hall is 11.7 meters. The hall building is designated as a national treasure. The building houses some of the temple’s treasured images and artifacts. The main alter image of Miroku Nyorai (Buddha of the Future) along with the images of Hoonrin Bosatsu, Daimyoso Bosatsu, Mujaku and Seshin Bosatsu (traditional founders of Hosso School), and the Four Heavenly Kings Shitenno are enshrined inside. The images of Miroku Nyorai, Mujaku Bosatsu, Seshin Bosatsu, and Shitenno are designated as national treasures. Hokuendo building is open to the public only for a few days during special viewing periods in the spring and fall. We loved viewing the architecture of the building and clicked a few photos of the building. While appreciating the building, we noted that a notice was put up near the building which indicated that it was open to the public during the time we visited the temple. So we were very fortunate to be able to see the display of all the above-mentioned historic images inside Hokuendo. We paid 300 Yen per person as admission fee to enter inside the hall and enjoyed viewing the various images. Unfortunately photography was not allowed inside the building, and so we clicked a couple of photos of the advertisement notices put up outside the building.

Hokuendo Northern Octagonal Hall as viewed from the front

Hubby standing in front of the hall

Images of (1) Hoonrin Bosatsu, (2) Mujaku Bosatsu, (3) Miroku Nyorai, (4) Seshin Bosatsu, and (5) Daimyoso Bosatsu

Image of Mujaku Bosatsu

We noted that a building named Chukondo or the Central Golden Hall is currently being reconstructed. Chukondo Hall is the main building of the temple. The original hall was built in 714 by Fujiwara-no-Fuhito but it was destroyed by a fire in 1717. Although a replacement hall was built on a smaller in 1811, the original Chukondo was not reconstructed. Later the replacement hall was also damaged due to heavy rain and rendered unusable. Therefore in recent years, it was decided to rebuild the original Chukondo Hall in its full former glory. Reconstruction work is currently ongoing and scheduled to be completed in 2018. We only saw a scaffolding structure covered with shrink wrap sheets. We hope to visit the temple again after the Chukondo Hall is opened to the public.

Chukondo Hall under reconstruction as viewed from the west

At this point, we finished the tour of Kofukuji Temple. We loved viewing various buildings and artifacts inside the temple premises. We noted that there were a few more buildings in the temple premises but we skipped seeing them this time.

Kiyomizudera Temple

As I wrote in the previous post, on the afternoon of 30th April hubby and I visited Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto. In the evening, we visited Kiyomizudera Temple about which I will write in this post. Kiyomizudera Temple is formally known as Otowa San Kiyomizudera and is located halfway up Otowa Mountain in the eastern part of Kyoto city. The temple originally belonged to Hosso sect of Buddhism but formed its own Kita-Hosso sect in 1965. The temple was founded in 778 during Nara period by a Buddhist priest named Enchin in honor of Kannon Bosatsu. There is a legend that says that Enchin had a vision of finding a golden stream of clear water flowing from Otowa Mountain into Yodogawa River. During the search for the stream, he came across an old hermit named Gyoei who practiced asceticism. Gyoei gave Enchin a piece of wood and went for pilgrimage. Enchin waited for a long period of time but the hermit seemed to have disappeared and did not return. So Enchin went in search of the hermit and found the hermit’s sandals on top of the mountain. Suddenly it dawned on Enchin that he had met and talked with Kannon himself. Enchin then carved the piece of wood into an image of Kannon Bosatsu which was enshrined in a small thatched roofed hut. The legend further states that Sakanoue Tamuramaro, one of the generals of Emperor Kammu, met Enchin while hunting for stag. Tamuramaro’s wife was going to give birth and the blood of a stag was thought to ease the pain of childbirth. Enchin spoke of the cruelty of killing animals and preached compassion for them. The speech moved Tamuramaro so much that he disassembled his house and gave it to the temple as an act of repentance. In 794 during the first year of Heian period, Emperor Kammu moved his capital to Kyoto and gave Tamuramaro his throne hall as a reward for his military service. Tamuramaro, in turn, donated this building to Enchin for a new main hall of the temple. Since its foundation, the temple has burned down many times. In the late 16th century Toyotomi Hideyoshi spent time at the temple and left behind many personal objects, some of which still remain today. The temple grew in the early 17th century but a fire in 1629 destroyed almost all the original buildings. Most of the present buildings were rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1633 during Edo period. Present day temple complex has an area of about 130000 square meters and consists of over 30 structures. In 1994, the temple was registered on the UNESCO world cultural heritage list as one of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto.

Kiyomizudera Temple is located about six kilometers south of Ginkakuji Temple and it took us 25 minutes to reach there by Taxi. After getting down from the taxi, we walked up the steep and narrow stone paved lanes lined with souvenir shops and food stalls. After 15 minutes of walking, we reached the front of Kiyomizudera Temple complex. It was about 3.45 pm when we reached the temple. At the front of the temple complex, we saw a magnificent red colored gate named Niomon. This gate was destroyed during Onin war but was rebuilt soon by the end of 15th century. The gate was dismantled and repaired in 2003, and therefore now it is beautifully covered in bright red color. The gate is 14 meters high, 10 meters wide, and 5 meters deep, and shows the typical features of Muromachi period. A pair of Nio deities and a pair of lion-dogs komainu stand guard on either side of the gate, and are believed to protect the temple from any evil.

Niomon gate along with Saimon gate and three-storied pagoda

Niomon gate and a statue of komainu

Walking past Niomon gate, we reached another gate named Saimon west gate. It is located slightly southeast of Niomon gate. Although the exact year of the construction of the original Saimon gate is unknown, it is believed to have been built at the end of Heian period or the beginning of Kamakura period. The present gate was reconstructed in 1631 during Edo period. In 1994, the roof was restored and the entire gate was colored in red. Two Nio statues stand guard on either side of the gate. There is a three-storied pagoda behind the gate and a bell tower to the left of the gate.

Saimon west gate and three-storied pagoda behind it

Saimon west gate and Shoro bell tower to its north

Near Saimon gate we turned around and got a beautiful view of Kyoto city. After enjoying the views of the city, we again concentrated back on the temple structures. To our left we saw Shoro bell tower that was built in 1607 during Edo period. The bell tower was restored in 1999 that revived its spectacular red color. Beautiful chrysanthemum flowers are carved above the flying brace of the tower. The bell that was cast in 1478 during Muromachi period used to be inside the bell tower until 2008, when it was retired due to progressive fatigue and now is kept in a treasure house inside the temple complex. The present bell is just 3 years old.

View of Kyoto city

Shoro bell tower

Carved chrysanthemum flowers on the bell tower

Next we saw a building named Zuigudo hall that is located towards east right in front of the bell tower. Daizuigu Bosatsu, mother of Buddha, is the principal image of worship in this hall. The hall was rebuilt in 1718 during Edo period, and was dismantled and repaired in 2006. We paid 100 yen per person as admission fee for entering the hall. We could not see anything inside the hall because it is pitch dark inside. The darkness symbolizes the womb of a mother. We walked down to the basement of the hall through the darkness grasping a rope tied to the side of the wall, and made a wish while circling a big stone inside. It is said that the goddess can grant our any wish. After making a wish, we started walking back up in the darkness. When the daylight hit us, it was supposed to be like a new beginning.

Front (left) and back (right) side of entrance ticket for Zuigudo hall

Zuigudo hall

A three-storied pagoda called Sanjunoto is an adjacent building located southwest of Zuigudo Hall. In fact, earlier while entering the temple premises we got a nice view of the pagoda just behind Saimon west gate. The pagoda was built in 847 during Heian period. It was rebuilt in 1632 during Edo period. In 1987, the building was dismantled, repaired, and repainted in the original red color. The building is 31 meters high and is the tallest three-storied pagoda in Japan. It is a gorgeous structure with rich architectural beauty. There is an image of Dainichi Nyorai inside the pagoda building. We took several photos of the pagoda from various sides and angles.

Photos of three-storied pagoda from various sides and angles

After seeing the pagoda, we reached a ticket counter where we purchased tickets worth 300 Yen per person as admission fee to the paid area of the temple precincts. The tickets looked so elegant. We then passed through Todorokimon middle gate of the temple. This gate was rebuilt in 1633 during Edo period. The roof structure of this gate resembles Tengaimon gate of Todaiji Temple located in Nara. A pair of Nio statues stands guard on either side of the gate. This gate leads to the approach to the main hall of the temple.

Front (left) and back (right) side of entrance ticket to the paid area of the temple precincts

Todorokimon middle gate

Next, we walked through a roofed passage that led to the main hall. There are huge wooden columns on either side of the passage. A row of lanterns hanging from the roof of this passage look so elegant and graceful. As we neared the end of the passage, we went to the porch area and enjoyed the greenery in front of us. From this angle, we got a lovely view of the roof of Hondo main hall.

Roofed passage leading to the main hall

Row of lanterns hanging from the roofed passage

Two types of lantern designs

I am standing at a porch area

Hondo main hall is the main attraction of the temple and is designated as a national treasure. The hall is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu. The original building donated by Tamuramaro was destroyed by a fire in 1629 during Edo period. The present structure was rebuilt in 1633 in the original Heian period palace style architecture.

Roof of Hondo main hall as viewed from the end of roofed passage

A pair of metal staff (priest’s cane) is displayed at the west side entrance of Hondo building. Heavier one named Tetsushakujo weighs 90 kilograms and the smaller Shoshakujo weighs 14 kilograms. Visitors were encouraged to try and lift the staffs. Although hubby could not lift the heavier staff, he could easily lift the lighter one.

Hubby trying to lift the metal staff weighing 90 kilograms

Hubby lifting the metal staff weighing 14 kilograms

While walking in the corridor of Hondo main hall, we saw a cute statue of a deity named Shusse Daikokuten. The statue is kept outside towards the west side of the main hall. It is a deity of success and progress in career. The deity has a smiling face, stands on rice bags, and wears a red hood. In addition, the deity has a treasure bag on its left shoulder and holds a magic mallet in the right hand. The statue was repaired in 2008.

Statue of Shusse Daikokuten

We loved the wooden architecture of Hondo main hall. We were appreciating the magnificent style of the roof of the hall building when we noted that the corridor ceiling has a unique lattice structure.

Lattice structured ceiling of the corridor of main hall

Next we entered inside the hall building where the first thing we noticed was a row of huge floor-to-ceiling wooden columns. While the outer sanctuary of the hall is rather simple, the inner sanctuary is gorgeous and has many gold-leaf images. Priest Enchin's image of Kannon Bosatsu is kept inside a case resting on a platform. In the east of the hall is an image of Bishamonten and the west houses an image of Jizo Bosatsu. Since photography is not allowed inside the main hall, I do not have any photos of the hall interior.

Then we came outside the main hall and saw a stage named Butai which is the veranda of the main hall. The stage is held up by wooden scaffolds that extends the stage 10 meters over a 12 meter cliff. The stage was built using a special method where huge 12 meter high keyaki tree pillars were assembled without using a single nail. A total of 139 pillars and 90 crossbeams support the stage. The floor of the stage was installed using more than 410 hinoki cypress boards. The stage has an area of 190 square meters, and was originally used for kabuki, kyogen, and sumo wrestling. There is an expression in Japanese ‘to jump off the stage at Kiyomizudera’ which is equivalent to the English expression ‘to take the plunge’. This refers to Edo period tradition that one’s wish would be granted if one were to survive jumping from the stage. Of course, this practice is prohibited now. From Butai stage, we got impressive and wonderful views of the temple surroundings and the city. To the southeast of the main hall, we saw a beautiful building named Okunoin hall. This hall resembles the main hall on a smaller scale and also has a stage. At the base of the main hall we saw a waterfall named Otowa no taki. From the stage we took several photos of the temple surroundings.

Okunoin hall and Otowa no taki waterfall as viewed from Butai stage of main hall

Okunoin hall as viewed from Butai stage

Otowa no taki waterfall as viewed from the stage

Enlarged view of the waterfall

I am standing on Butai stage of main hall

Hubby standing on the stage of main hall

Next, we walked further east and climbed a few wooden steps of the main hall building. From this spot, we got a perfect view of Butai stage and the front of the main hall. The architectural design of the stage is superb. There were many tourists enjoying the temple views from this famous stage and therefore we had some difficulty to take photos of the stage. After enjoying the views for some more time, we left the main hall building.

A portion of the wooden scaffolds of Butai stage

Many visitors on Butai stage

Butai stage of main hall

Butai stage and the front of main hall

Next, we saw a shrine named Jishu Jinja located in the north just behind the main hall. In Japan it is common to find Shinto shrines in Buddhist temple precincts. Jishu Jinja is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. A Torii gate and a large staircase lead to the shrine grounds. We climbed the staircase but decided to skip visiting the shrine as we did not have much time.

I am standing in front of Torii gate and stairs of Jishu Jinja

After coming down the stairs of Jishu Jinja, we turned left and walked towards the east on a pathway that brought us to a line of buildings. The first building is a hall named Shakado. The hall building was rebuilt in 1631 during Edo period. The building was damaged in heavy rain in 1972, and so it was reconstructed after three years. Although the exterior of the hall looks simple, the interior has a gorgeous decor. The inside is lacquered and the ceiling is painted. The principle image of the hall is Shaka Sanzon which is a triad consisting of an image of Shaka Nyorai in the center flanked by images of Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu.

Shakado hall

To the southeast of Shakado hall, there is a small hall named Hyakutaijizodo. There are about 200 stone statues of Jizo Bosatsu inside the hall. Jizo deity is the protector of dead children and travelers.

Hyakutaijizodo hall

Adjacent to Shakado hall to the south we saw another hall named Amidado. The hall was reconstructed in 1633 during Edo period. The painting of the building was restored in 1996 and therefore has a striking colorful red appearance. The hall has the traditional tiled roof structure of Buddhist temples. The principal image of the hall is a seated statue Amida Nyorai. The statue is brilliantly gilded and has a halo-shaped decor. To the south of this statue an image of Priest Honen, the founder of Jodo sect of Buddhism, is also enshrined.

Statues of Amida Nyorai (center) and Priest Honen (right) inside Amidado hall

Amida Nyorai

Adjacent to Amidado hall to the south is yet another hall named Okunoin. Earlier while walking towards Shakado hall, we glanced towards our right and got a beautiful view of Okunoin hall from its side. The hall resembles Hondo main hall on a smaller scale and also has a stage. The present building was reconstructed in 1633 during Edo period. This site is said to be the original home of hermit Gyoei and the original crude structure that held the images of Kannon Bosatsu, Bishamonten, and Jizo Bosatsu carved by priest Enchin. Later the sanctuary of Tamuramaro also stood at this site while it held the three images. The hall is dedicated to these images even though they are now housed in Hondo main hall. While walking on the corridor of Okunoin hall, we could see the wooden scaffolds of its stage. On reaching the stage, we walked around for some time and enjoyed the beautiful views of the temple surroundings. Hondo main hall is located to the northwest of this hall. From Okunoin stage, we got a magnificent view of Hondo main hall and its Butai stage. Butai stage was full of visitors. We took several photos of Hondo main hall from Okunoin stage.

View of Okunoin hall from its side

A portion of the wooden scaffolds of Okunoin stage

Hondo main hall and its Butai stage as viewed from Okunoin stage

I am standing on Okunoin stage. Hondo main hall is seen in the background.

Hubby and Hondo main hall

Butai stage of Hondo main hall

Wooden scaffolds of Butai stage

After enjoying the temple views from the stage of Okunoin hall, we continued our walk on the paved route. Soon we reached a spot on the southern part of the temple complex from where we got a nice front view of Hondo main hall and its Butai stage. Again, we took several photos of the main hall.

Three-storied pagoda, roofed passage, Hondo main hall, and a few more structures as viewed from a spot on the southern part of the temple complex

Hondo main hall, Butai stage, and wooden scaffolds of the stage

Butai stage and wooden scaffolds of the stage

Then we started coming down the walking path and reached Otowa no taki waterfall located at the base of the main hall. Water from a spring in the mountain has been falling there since the foundation of the temple. The temple’s name ‘Kiyomizu’, which means pure water, is derived from this waterfall. Three streams of very pure water fall into a pond. Each narrow stream is said to have a different effect. Visitors can collect the water from the falls in metal cups that are attached to long poles, and drink it for love, longevity, and wisdom. Traditionally, we should only choose two because it is considered being greedy to drink from all the streams. There was a very long queue of visitors waiting near the waterfall, so we skipped drinking the pure water from the streams.

I am walking down the paved path

Otowa no taki waterfall

Three streams of very pure water at the waterfall

Next, we saw several souvenir shops and food stalls adjacent to the waterfall. At this point our tour of the temple complex was over. As we started heading back to the entrance of the temple, we saw the base of the massive wooden scaffolding that supports Hondo main hall.

Food stalls and souvenir shops

A food stall

Wooden scaffolding supporting the main hall

At about 5.30 pm we left Kiyomizudera Temple complex. We enjoyed visiting the temple. The next morning we visited Higashi Hongwanji Temple about which I will write in the next post.