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Kiyomizu Temple

Sacred Buildings: Buddhist Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan

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Architecture blends with nature at the Buddhist Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan.
Architecture blends with nature

Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Press photo © 2000-2006 NewOpenWorld Foundation
The words Kiyomizu, Kiyomizu-dera or Kiyomizudera can refer to several Buddhist temples, but the most famous is the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. In Japanese, kiyoi mizu means pure water.

Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple was constructed in 1633 on the foundations of a much earlier temple. A waterfall from adjacent hills tumbles into the temple complex. Leading into the temple is a wide veranda with hundreds of pillars.

Kiyomizu Temple was a finalist in the campaign to choose the New 7 Wonders of the World.

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