Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

On this visit to Ginkaku-ji, known for its understated simplicity, I was deeply moved by its quiet wabi-sabi beauty.

Completely unlike the lavish gold-leaf-covered exterior of Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji is not actually covered in silver leaf. Its official name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji, and the characters “東慈” can also be seen on the roof tiles. What is most captivating here is the understated way the buildings blend perfectly into nature. As you stroll through the grounds, you can admire not only the exquisite Zen rock garden, but also the beautifully arranged gardens. The copper phoenix standing discreetly on the roof has also developed a rustic beauty with the passage of time.

The entire temple has very little ornamentation, yet it exudes a calm, understated depth everywhere. Its unique charm is incredibly subtle, yet brings an incomparable sense of peace. It is definitely a classic Kyoto attraction that should not be missed.

From the moment you begin strolling along the wide approach, you can feel a solemn and dignified atmosphere. From a distance, the enormous, striking red torii gate is truly impressive.

Upon entering the grounds, you’re greeted by magnificent buildings with white walls, bright red pillars, and blue-green roof tiles. Set against the blue sky, the vivid colors and imposing architecture are spectacular, worthy of a classic reconstruction built at a reduced scale based on the historical appearance of Heian-kyo. During this visit, I was also lucky enough to catch some early cherry blossoms blooming on the branches. Although they weren’t yet in full bloom, the elegant old architecture and touches of soft pink on the branches complemented each other beautifully in the slightly cool spring weather, creating a graceful and enchanting scene. Strolling through the historically rich Heian Jingu Shrine, feeling the breeze and the atmosphere of the ancient capital, was a deeply memorable and soothing cultural experience. It’s also a great place to bring older family members for a leisurely walk.

After visiting the thousand-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can stroll down the approach and stop by Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya, a very famous tofu restaurant.

The most impressive signature experience here is making your own yuba right at your table. As the soy milk slowly heats up and a thin layer of yuba forms on the surface, you carefully lift it with a bamboo skewer and enjoy it with a little of the special vinegar sauce. Its smooth texture and delicate sweetness make the experience both fun and delicious. In addition to the signature homemade yuba, the set meal includes a variety of refined Kyoto-style side dishes and plenty of tofu products. Every dish has the rich aroma of soybeans and the delicacy of Kyoto cuisine. After exploring Kiyomizu-dera, coming here for a warm, comforting yudofu meal is definitely a perfect and satisfying choice.