Kyoto, Japan 2015 (Day 3): Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market

Kiyomizudera (清水寺, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.

Our last day in Kyoto includes visiting one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attraction, Kiyomizu-dera and Nishiki Market. The temple is located on top of a hill therefore the only way to get up there is by walking. Also, first time trying a corndog from LAWSON and it was amazing!

Upon reaching, we first had to get tickets which costs ¥400 each before entering the temple. We reached there about 9:30-ish and surprisingly there wasn't a crowd yet.

The Otowa Waterfall is located at the base of Kiyomizu-dera's main hall. It's sacred waters are divided into 3 separate streams; to confer longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. To drink from them, we used cups that were attached to long poles. It was fun! However, only choose to drink from one or you'll be seen as very greedy!

1. Wait in line. Then, when it's your turn, choose a cup from within the UV sterilizer behind.
2. Choose 1 out of the 3 streams and hold out the cup. Fill it and bring it back towards you.
3. Pour the water from your cup into your left hand and drink from it.

After we finished walking around the temple, we walked down to the nearest bus stop to get to Nishiki Market. There were also crazy crowds just as we left. 

From the city bus that we took, we got off at Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop and had to walk about 8 minutes to reach the market. Nishiki Market can easily be distinguished by the pretty traffic light colored glass roof.

Nishiki Market is full of vendors and food stalls that sell typical Japanese ingredients, especially those popular in Kyoto. Pickled vegetables, pickled fruits, fish, matcha, perfect fruits, baby octopus skewers, and delicious "street food" is what you will find here. With Japanese culture, these vendors do everything perfect.






Outside of Nishiki Market, you'll find the Teramachi Shopping Arcade. Here, two stretch of parallel streets are lined with plenty of colorful shops and cafes selling everything from traditional ware to designer clothing.

Had lunch at Starbucks to refuel. Ahh, I miss the Starbucks in Japan, so much better than the ones back here in Malaysia.

A little later, we decided we were done for the day and took the city bus back to Kyoto Station. We had early dinner there and hung around for a bit because there were a few shopping malls inside.

Well, this pretty much sums up our last day in Kyoto. Headed back to the hotel to get a good night's sleep and prepare for the next destination the following morning.