We woke at 7am today after a great sleep in our futons! I love the blankets! We set off early to catch a bus to Kiyonizu temple and were dropped off on the main street and began our walk up the big hill to the temple. It was a warm day and the walk made it hot. Today Is the first day we took out jumpers off! All the small stalls on the walk up to the temple were still setting up so we decided to visit them on the way back down. The temple was founded in 798 and its present buildings were constructed in 1633, ordered by the tokugawa Iemitsu. There is not a single nail used in the entire structre. Amazing! It takes its name from the waterfall within te complex, which rungs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water. The main temple is a large and old building built on the steep hillside. The balcony hangs over and gives a beautiful view over Kyoto and the surrounding bush land. It was refreshing to be out of the city and to breath some fresh air. We wondered the temple grounds and walking paths. Stopping
Kiyomizu Templeat the waterfall to cleanse my mouth as part of the ritual to enter the temple. This waterfall cascaded from the roof and i had to catch the water in a cup on a long stick.
We headed back down the steep hill shopping as we went, buying small souvenirs for friends and family. (out bags are already full! Eek) and we ate a chocolate cream, banana and chocolate cake crepe. Yum! The walk to our next destination was Nijo castle. It was ALOT further than we had anticipated, felt like forever! And with very sore feet we arrived just after lunch time. Drinking grape juice and snacking on rice crackers on the way. Nijo castle is a beautiful old castle where the inside has been left as original. We got to take our shoes off and walk on the very old wooden nightingale floors.
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