Kiyomizu-dera is probably the most picturesque temple in Kyoto, perhaps even in all of Japan. It’s part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, an UNESCO World Heritage Site honoring 17 locations in this vicinity.

I visit Kiyomizu-dera three times during my stay in Kyoto — first at sunset, then during the day, and one final time at night. The sunsets in Japan are exquisite and I appreciate the chance to see this historic temple with various lighting backdrops.

Let’s start with my morning visit. I begin at Yasaka Shrine, and from here it’s a pleasant one-mile walk to Kiyomizu-dera:

This is Yasaka shrine.

The papers hugging these branches are prayers written by visitors, a common sight at temples and shrines in Japan.

This is an extensive cemetery at Chorakuji temple. I don’t intend to stop here, but I stumble upon it while wandering towards Kiyomizu-dera.

This is the Ryozen Kannon statue. I don’t pay to go inside, but I snap this photo from the exterior.

And now I’m approaching the best part of the route to Kiyomizu-dera. This is Matsubara Dori, a street lined with shops and small cafes.

I spot this gentleman using stencils and paint to create prints of Kyoto in various seasons.

I purchase one of each — winter, spring, fall, summer — anticipating that someday I’ll frame them in a future apartment. The artist is very kind and poses for me:

He adds his signature stamp to the prints:

I continue strolling up Matsubara Dori, tempted by eye candy in storefront windows — food, jewelry, fans, kimonos.

Now I am at the base of Kiyomizu-dera. Just a few more minutes of climbing up these steps and I’ll see the famous temple. There’s lots of people-watching on the way up.

I stroll across the main deck of this temple. In a moment I’ll be at the iconic viewing point, looking back at this area.

Here it is! I love how Kiyomizu-dera appears to rise in the middle of a forrest, with the city of Kyoto off in the distance.

This is Taisanji, located opposite Kiyomizu-dera.

This bridge is almost entirely obscured at the bottom of Gojo-zaka street, just west of Kiyomizu-dera.

These next few photos are from sunset:

And this last set of photos is from my third and final visit, this time with Ayumi.

ADORABLE:

This is my favorite visit yet because the sunset isn’t obscured by clouds.

I’ll stop writing and let these photos do the talking.

Here’s another view of Taisanji. This shot was taken from the main deck of Kiyomizu-dera.

Once Kiyomizu-dera officially closes, I stick around to take more night shots. The light beam adds a touch of drama to these already-impressive temples.

Here’s Ayumi and me. Such a fun night!

This is blogger As Her World Turns, signing off from Kiyomizu-dera. Good night!