Kiyomizudera

My Rating: 8.6/10

Last I knew Kiyomizudera was one of the nominees for 7 new wonders of the world, I but don't know what happened. I think it just missed out? Anyways, its a pretty splendid place, but qualifies as one of those "everyone knows it about it so everyone and their mother goes to it" places. Regrettably, this spoils the experience a bit. However, there's a bit more space in Kiyomizudera so it's not that much of a problem.

We arrived just before dusk, so I could take some pretty great photos of the temple during its early light-up season. We actually visited the temple before the cherry blossoms, so the crowds were at a fraction of what they would be in the coming weeks. Anyways, here's some pics!

We arrived at the sweet dusk light. Makes for some good photos.

Another look at one of the many structures that highlight Kiyomizudera.

I thought this was pretty cool.

Photo from the popular overlook, Kyoto city off in the distance.

Your wish comes true if you jump off the ledge and survive according to legend. Wait...what?

Aligned the beam of light with the temple for a fun effect.

My favorite photo. Taken from a perspective I've never seen of the temple in the millions of photos that exist.

If you can go off-season to Kiyomizudera its a great little place. However, its a perfect example of a place where huge crowds can spoil your experience. Also, the many, many traditional shops leading up to Kiyomizudera are really wonderful. Gives you a feel for Japan as it existed hundreds of years ago.