70330-0036 - Kiyomizudera Temple

Otowa-san Kiyomizudera buddhist temple at Higashiyama in Eastern Kyoto.

Built in 1633, the temple actually dates back to 798. The temple gets its name (“pure water”) from the waterfall in the temple complex. The huge veranda is supported by hundreds of pillars.

During the Edo Period (1600-1867), people believed that if you jumped from the 13 meter high stage and survived, your wish would come true. Some 234 jumpers were recorded in the Edo Period, of which 85.4% survived.

Attributed to Japanese photographer Kuichi Uchida (内田 九一, 1844–1875) because it is featured in an Uchida album (YA032) at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto.