Kiyomizu-dera

Background

Founded in 778, its wooden stage, 139 years old in its current form, hangs over a cliff, and the saying 'jump off the stage at Kiyomizu' sums up Japanese resolve. The three streams of Otowa Falls grant prayers for health, study and love; through the seasons — spring cherry blossom, summer green, autumn leaves, winter snow — the Kyoto basin in front of the stage is a living folding screen. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1994, it is Kyoto's 'face'.

Local customs

• Worship etiquette is as at any temple
• at Otowa Falls use the long-handled ladles and drink from only one stream (taking more is considered greedy and disrespectful)
• keep to the side on the stone-paved Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and don't block the way.

Religion & beliefs

Head temple of the Kita-Hossō school, enshrining the Thousand-Armed Kannon. The stage and main hall are places of worship, so keep quiet — all the more during the special evening openings for autumn leaves, when the lights are dazzling.

Travel tips

• Spring and autumn are best (cherry blossom in late March – early April, autumn leaves in mid-to-late November), and the evening autumn-leaves illuminations require booking. Admission is about JPY 400
• go in when it opens at 6 a.m. and you can have the stage to yourself
• combine with Yasaka Shrine and Gion for a half day.