Back to the sight-seeing bits of our Japan trip.
The first sight that we visited in Kyoto is the Kiyomizu temple, or 'Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera' (音羽山清水寺).
Entrance to the temple.
SP and I
Cleaning my hands before entry.
Wishes of the faithful
The bell of the temple.
The most notable structure of the temple is the veranda, which is supported by hundreds of wooden pillars. It offers an impressive views of the city. Wasn't a bad way to start our day! 
A photo of SP! The platform is in the background.
The platform is supported by these wooden pillars. All supported by joints. No nails involved!
Apparently, there is a say in Japanese: "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu" (「清水の舞台から飛び降りる」), which refers to an Edo period 'belief' that if one were to survive free-jumping from the platform, one's wish would be granted. The platform is around 13 metres from the ground, and it would be difficult to jump off it without injuring oneself. According to Wiki, "234 jumps were recorded in Edo period and of those, 85.4 percent survived." The statistics is better than what I think.
The temple is also famous for its waterfall, called Otowa-no-taki (音羽の滝). The water is split into three channels, which fall into a pond. The water is believed to have 'therapeutic' properties. It is also believed that drinking the water from the three streams would confer health, longevity and success in studies.
I took my chance to try two of the streams, but I have no idea which is which. Haha.
First attempt!
Second attempt!
I saw some one filling their water bottles with the water. Perhaps they are doing a take-away?
The temple site also contains several little shrines, the most famous being the Jishu-jina (地主神社), which is dedicated to a god of love.
One of the shrines for love.
It was one of the busiest part of the temple! Vendors were selling lucky charms all over. It was very commercial.
Kyoto is the city of temples and shrines. But I will probably just write about this one. I think I am getting lazy.
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