Zuiko-zan Kiyomizu-dera temple, literally meaning the temple of mystical light and pure water

last steps to the main hall of the temple

a large stone lantern & main hall

great big cryptomeria trees

A Buddhist temple, located in a remote community in Yasugi, Tottori Prefecture, has a history of over 1400 years. The central deity enshrined in the main hall is the Kan-non Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara), a twin of the one now housed safely in the treasure hall of the temple. 

 

The twins were once kept in the chest facing each other’s back. The front one was originally enshrined in the main hall but was stolen and about to be shipped overseas from the port where it was found just before being shipped. 

 

Due to this happening, the temple decided to have the statue retired and kept in the treasure hall. Instead the twin which was in the back of the chest came to be enshrined in the main hall. 

 

A large sublime statue of the Amitabha Buddha in the treasure house quietly sits and sees you; nearby is the smaller version of Amitabha Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattvas whose posture is interesting from the viewpoint of art history. 

 

It’s a cozy little place with just enough items to appreciate fully. I stayed in the treasure hall for quite a while and the lady in charge was kind enough to answer my questions. It was much worth than spending time at a famous but busy temple in super-popular places. I felt something like telepathic connection with the deities.

 

One of the deities in the treasure hall, whose details have not known much and only several statues of which have survived to this day, is supposed to be hidden from public view. But here you have such a special opportunity to be able to witness his smiling face. 

 

That was because the statue saved itself from the fall of a big tree in 1983. The tree was right next to the hall where it was enshrined. The tree collapsed due to heavy snow but after the accident the statue was just peacefully sitting on the snow away from the ruins of the hall. The temple believed the deity was willing to show up and decided to house it in the treasure hall for the view of general visitors. 

 

The wooden relief of the Bodhisattva in the lotus pond, among others, was something to see. I’ve never seen anything like this before.

 

pagoda with tree projecting roofs

from the balcony of the top floor

large standing lantern:
believed to have made as a 
study for building the pagoda

A remarkable wooden pagoda with three projecting roofs stands on the large premises of this temple. The pagoda of traditional style was buit by three generations of local carpenters. Almost all of the Buddhist pagodas in Japan are off-limits and they were not made to go in and up the floors. In fact, they basically do not have multiple floors. But most of the pagodas with three projecting roofs have the ceiling for the ground floor and they are in a sense two-storied. 

 

This one has three floors, which is quite exceptional. What’s more, you are allowed to go in and up the tower, a very rare case of all the wooden traditional pagodas in Japan. You can even go out of the second and third floors of the pagoda and walk around it on its balcony.

 

The Buddhist vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed at two restaurants/inns on the temple grounds.

There's a trail on the hill in the back of the temple.

Now you know you will easily spend half a day here.