Kiyomizu-dera

Easily the most popular of all temples in Japan, Kiyomizu-dera literally translates to ‘Pure Water Temple,’ as it was founded near the holy Otowa Waterfalls. Owing to its grandeur, it is now a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and identifies with the Kita Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism. A fantastic wooden structure with an impressive stage that provides the best views of cherry blossoms, the temple is a spiritual journey and a tryst with nature rolled into one. Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall is a sheer delight, and so is its smaller counterpart, the Okunoin Hall.
The steep yet bustling Higashiyama district that leads to the temple complex is an added adventure with its souvenir shops and traditional eateries. The main attraction of Kiyomizu-dera for a lot of travellers is the Jishu Shrine which is dedicated to the goddess of love. Also make sure you drink from the three streams of the aforementioned Otowa Waterfall in order to attain the boon of a long and successful life. The Koyasu Pagoda is yet another beautiful structure and is a must visit for pregnant women as it is said to bless you with pain-free childbirth. A few scaffoldings may however dilute your experience because some parts of the temple are perpetually under construction. You could either take a bus or a taxi to the temple, and the tickets should cost you 400 Yen. The complex is open from 6 am to 6 pm.