Standing in large precincts spreading across the mid-slope of Otowa-yama, Higashiyama, Kyoto, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples, as well as one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto.

The name of 'Kiyomizu-dera' literally means 'A temple with clear water', and is actually derived from 'Otowa-no-taki' springs in the same temple grounds as shown in the second picture. 'Hondo' the main building as shown in the first picture is well known for the unique structure which is called 'butai' elevated open-air stage. There are fifteen old buildings, many of them are designated as national treasures or important cultural assets. Japan's old saying 'Do it as if jumping down from the butai stage of Kiyomizu-dera', which is known by all Japanese people young and old, means 'Do it with a firm resolution'. As many affiliated buildings are scattered in a hilly place, people visiting here have to take several long ascents to the temple, however these ascents are flanked with various kinds of souvenir shops and restaurants. These feasts for the eyes appeal to the visitors for hours.

Licensed tour guide/travel assistant,
Masahisa Takaki.

通訳案内士　高木聖久

"Ama-no-hashidate", which is known as one of the Three Great Sights in Japan, is a 3.6 kilometer long sandbar running north and south across Miyazu Inlet in the north of Kyoto Prefecture.

"Ama-no-hashidate" can be reached in two hours by a local train from Kyoto. A stunning view, made up of 2,000 pine trees and a white sandy beach, makes its appearance in "ogura-hyakunin-isshu" anthology compiled early in the 13th century.
This landscape has long been widely known as one of the Three Great Sights in Japan since the 17th century, together with "Matsushima" in Miyagi Prefecture and "Miyajima" in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The first picture shows a view seen from the top of "Monjusan" hill.
In this connection, there is an old Buddhist temple called "Chion-ji" in the southern part of the sandbar, which features "Taho-to" tower as shown in the second picture. This small and old tower was built in 1501 and is designated as an important cultural asset.

Licensed tour guide/travel assistant,
Masahisa Takaki.

"Funaya" in Ine Town, Yosa County, Kyoto Prefecture, is designated as Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan.

Many "funaya" houses line along the seacoast of an inlet facing Wakasa Bay, located about 100 kilometers north of Kyoto. "Funaya" is an architectural style unique to this district, whose detail is a boathouse for fishing boats on the first floor and a living space on the second floor.
As shown in the picture, the distant view of a line of "funaya" is very unusual and the sea is clean and beautiful. This scenery attracts many sightseers all the year round. There are about 230 "funaya" houses, dating back to the 18th century.
These buildings are made of a Japanese chinquapin for bases and pillars, and raw timbers of pine for beams against the decay by sea water.

Licensed tour guide/travel assistant,
Masahisa Takaki.

通訳案内士　高木聖久