Kiyomizu Temple

On the way to Kiyomizu temple there were numerous of shops selling japanese sweets and all kinds of material goods that you can think of.

There were also many of those young women who get to try the role of maiko for a day.

This one did not have adopted how a maiko or geisha should behave.

When I took the photo she made the pose with the two fingers up that is so typical for japanese.

Here is the pose again that I was speaking about. In this case it is more acceptable.

The main complex is a splendid wooden creation, constructed entirely (and amazingly) without nails.

And here we go again.

Steps to Kyoto Jishu Shrine - The cupid of Japan located next to Kiomizu Temple.

There's a happy, festive atmosphere throughout the shrine. Must be all that youthful enthusiasm because most of the participants are teenaged schoolgirls.

the Cupid of Japan has been favouring Japanese sweethearts (and others, too, judging by the notes of thanks left at the shrine by lovers from all over the world) for more than a thousand years.

Ring the bell and wish.

There are two stones about 10 metres apart. Ritual is that young girl should touch one stone, then walk to the other one with your eyes closed. If she reaches it successfully, she will achieve true love.

I watched these school girls attempt to perform the ritual.

One of them actually succeed but I did not get a good capture of it. 

Stalls set up along the shrine's walkways offer amulets, prayer knots, little wooden plaques with pictures and prayers inscribed on them.

Kiyomizu is called the "clean water temple" after three waterfalls which cascade from the hillside into a pool below.
Cups on long poles are extended under the flow and the water collected is said to bring many benefits on those who drink it. One flow is for long life, another is for wisdom and the third is for wealth.

But don't tempt fate ... according to custom, it's okay to drink from two of the streams, but if you get greedy and go for all three, you risk losing it all.

A verandah extends out from the temple where there's a sensational panorama of the surrounding woods and hillside and the city below.

We went to see the temple also by night because we herd that it is beautifully illuminated. It definitely was wort it - even more impressive than by day.