Kyoto trip part one: Kiyomizu-dera

My Kyoto trip was kind of long, so I decided to split it up into parts (so I could post more photos... mwahahahah) As is becoming usual, this is a really photo-heavy post, so be prepared!

Kiyomizu-dera was 'the' temple I wanted to visit, so I was so glad to visit it! It is so beautiful, really a must see. Unfortunately, we visited in Silver Week (a national holiday in Japan) and in the middle of the day, so it was sooo crowded. One day I plan to get there early, hopefully on a weekday so I can experience it when it is a little quieter. Bear in mind that these sort of famous tourist landmarks will always be crowded though! 

We took the bus from Kyoto's Karasuma station, but to be honest it would have been quicker and nicer to walk. The bus, although cheap was crowded and hot and there was a lot of traffic. 

Although everyone's first thoughts of Kyoto is of course the beautiful temples and imperial palace, it is still a huge city! So most of it looks like this:

And the the back streets on the way to Kiyomizu-dera look like this:

 ...with a few temples, shrines and historic buildings nestled in between.

 This was the tourist-y walk leading directly up to Kiyomizu-dera. They were selling souvenirs and expensive food, mostly. Although there was also a Totoro themed shop, and a Vkei shop.....

 Here is the gate (Do you see what I mean about crowded?)

 The view of Kyoto was great!

 Even though Kiyomizu-dera isn't far from the city, it felt pretty secluded in the trees and mountains.

 Often, Buddhist temples will have a Shinto shrine somewhere on their grounds, and this was the one at Kiyomizu-dera.

 You had to pay to get into the main hall, but it's only 300 yen so I'd say it's a must do. You get the iconic view from, and of, the famous stage. My teacher told us that the Japanese saying for 'to do something really brave' is 'to jump off Kiyomizu-dera' and I can see why! It's so tall!

 As you can tell, parts of the main hall were being renovated when I visited.

Next up will be another post about my Kyoto adventure: Yasaka Jinja, Gion and Pontocho. 

All I can say is, go to Kiyomizu-dera! You won't regret it! 

Thanks for reading! 

-Amy xoxo