The Temples of Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the top places to visit when vacationing in Kyoto. Its name means temple of the clear water and it's on the list to possibly become one of the world's new 7 Wonders of the World. It's located in the eastern part of Kyoto. It was first built in 794 for the Kannon Bosatsu, and like most Japanese temples and shrines, has been rebuilt again and again over the centuries. The Kiyomizu you see standing today was built in the 1600s. The Buddhist priest who built the original had a spiritual vision of finding clean, clear water where the Todo river begins, so he built the temple at this spot. His name was Enchin, and the temple takes its name from some waterfalls that run insidde the temple. Visiting Kiyomizu is a super cultural as well as historical experience, as you will always be surrounded by Japanese who have made the trip to see the temple, and who will light some insence and say some prayers. You will also probably see some bona-fide pilgrims, who travel in groups to temples and dress all in white. They are more serious about their visit and their prayers, of course, so you may get to witness some serious religious activities. In any case, it's a great place just to people watch. You could spend all day!

Heian Jingu (Jingu means "shrine") is situated right in downton Kyoto, is relatively new, built in 1895. This is a shrine, not a temple. That means it's not Buddhist, but Shinto. Buddhism is from China and Shinto is a Japanese religion. Heian Jingu was built to honor two emporers: Kamu and Kommei. Kamu founded Kyoto in 794, and Kommei was the last emporer complete his term in Kyoto before the Capitol was moved to Tokyo in the 1800s. He lived from 1831 to 1866. Heian's shrine gate, or torii, is the largest in Japan. It stands over a very busy street in central Kyoto, and is one of the most well-known landmarks of the city of Kyoto. It's bright orange, like most torii in Japan. The Meiji-era Shinen Garden is definitely a must-see at Heian Jingu, especially during Cherry Blossom Viewing season. The cherry trees here are gorgeous and sweeping, over irises and water lillies. In fall, the leaves of the garden trees change color so autumn leaf-peeping is also a great thing to do at this Shrine. If you are a fan of Japanese gardens, and of course who isns't, then Heian Jingu is a great Shrine to visit, since in addition to Shinen Garden, there are several other gardens for walking and contemplating here. In Fall, Heian Jingu holds Jidai Matsuri, which celebrates the founding of Kyoto. The festival features a parade with excellent costumes and thousands of participants.

Ryoanji is a shrine in Kyoto which is best known for its famous rock garden. There are several different types of rock gardens in the zen world of rock gardens, and Ryonji's is of the dry-landscape style, which is called karesansui in Japanese. Rock gardens are known to be the highest form of zen expression, and one of the most significant contributions from Japanese culture. It's a pure zen expression, meant to facilitate the attainment of inner peace and tranquility, but anyone can appreciate the mystic, beautiful qualities of the rock garden here at Ryonaji. You cannot visit Kyoto without experiencing a rock garden, and this one is the best! It's from the 15th century and nobdy really knows who laid it out, but it's painstakingly kept up every single day by dutiful monks. To understand what's behind the rock garden here, you can't apply normal standards of impression and admiration, such as technical ability, complexity, or rapturous glory, such as one might feel at a cathedral or an ancient pyramid or stonehenge. Nope, this famous rock garden is just fifteen stones and some moss! In fact, it's better if you learn a little about the symbolism before you visit, since you might not be impressed at all if you are the type who needs a little more action, color, techincal capability or whatever, to be impressed. You have to know that 15 is a strong symbol of completeness in zen, and that you can't see all fifteen rocks at once no matter where you are standing, and this represents our inability to become complete in this world. Still, it may be difficult to really appreciate the zen-like austere simplicity of this art form for many westerners, but a visit to Ryoanji is a must, in any case. You have to try, right?