You know those times when you are traveling, and you come upon a place where you pick up “that feeling”? For me it’s often when I am in a place of incredible historical importance, and I feel like a tiny excerpt from the volumes of humanity. I imagine the people who have walked there before me and all the ways that the world has changed since then (and the ways it hasn’t).
I had that feeling at this place, the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple Complex in Kyoto, Japan. The experience was even better because I had no idea this place was even there; it was a total surprise! We went to Kyoto last summer as part of a quick 3-day stop in Japan on our way back to the U.S. from Indonesia, and we had no plan for while we were there. We did as much as we could in our limited time, and we were blown away by the beauty, history, culture, and modern buzz of Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was founded in 798 but now consists of over 30 gorgeous buildings, including pagodas and shrines, which date from 1633. I could go on and on about the hills and trees, natural springs, waterfalls, big and little Buddhas, and the wonderful views… If you’re interested in more information and beautiful pictures, try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera
Where have you had “that feeling”?
I love Kiyomizu dera too!
Isn’t it amazing? So old, so big, so beautiful. A definite highlight of my travels last year, as was everything we saw/did in Japan.