Chion-In & Kiyomizudera

Location: Kyoto, Japan

Here are two more temples we visited in Kyoto. Chion-In is a Shinto Buddhist Temple that is still practicing Buddhism. There are many people from other parts of Japan that travel to take part in the services held here. We happened to be there on the day of its 800th anniversary. Pretty big day. Hense the big crowds. At this temple there is also a very famous giant bell. The bell is so big, it is said that they need about 14 monks to ring the bell.

Kiyomizudera is also a very famous and popular temple for tourists. Here there are many things you can do such as walk between two rocks to learn about your future love, drink from the fount of enternal youth, and see the veranda where people used to jump off to bring good luck.

Here the people gather for the weekly (or possibly daily) service.

This is the grand entrance of Chion-In.

These are the two rocks where it is believed that if you are able to walk from one rock the other with your eyes closed you will find true love. If you need guidance (such as verbal guidance or even holding your hand) to get to the rock then you need guidance to find true love. When I tried it I followed Jack's gidance and missed the rock altogether... does this mean I should never follow the guidance of others?

The giant bell

Here is the fountain of eternal youth.

The boys gaining eternal youth... I don't know whether this is a good idea.

Apparently if you drink from this fountain using these cups you will be young forever!