Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

Category

Library Item

Item no

16706

Title

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1912

Size

9.0 x 14.0 cm

Type

Photograph; Postcard

Location

Art and Design Library

Kyoto is one of Japan's oldest cities. For many centuries it was the capital, until this status was transferred to Tokyo in 1877. Japan was ruled by the federal government in Edo (the former name of Tokyo), headed by the Shogun, but the emperor resided in Kyoto, in the western part of Japan. During this period the emperor did not possess political authority. Nevertheless, Kyoto prospered as the centre of culture, in a similar way to Edinburgh. Kyoto has many temples and shrines founded to ensure protection from disease and the safety of the capital.
Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, established in 778. Various buildings, such as the pagoda, stage, and halls are distributed across the site. Due to fires, the buildings have burned down many times, so most of the buildings date from the early Edo period (1631-1633). In terms of the name, Kiyo means clear or pure and mizu is water, and it was named after a small waterfall in the temple. The name Otowa Waterfall comes from Otowa Mountain.
Cherry blossoms in Spring and coloured leaves in Autumn enhance its beauty. This temple is still very popular among both Japanese and foreign tourists.

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People

Places > Asia > Japan

Plants > Flowers > Cherry blossom

Religion > Religious facilities > Pagodas