Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most popular temples of Kyoto. It has been registered in 1994 on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and is praised for its wonderful gardens and the outstanding views it has on the city. Kiyomizu-dera was named after the Otowawaterfall, that brings clear water from the hills to its gardens. Kiyoi Mizu means "pure water".
During cherry blossom season, Kiyomizudera Temple is open for nighttime illumination from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
This structure was built using a rather special method: 12-meter high keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) pillars made from thick, centuries-old trees and a floor made of 410 cypress boards was assembled and installed without using a single nail, instead relying on locking wooden joints.