Kiomizu-dera: A view from the stage

On a whim, a few weekends back, Kev and I went to Kiomizu-dera. This large and well-known temple is usually packed with tour groups, and the day we went was no exception. We unfortunately went on a rainy day, and had to dodge in and out of the little shops lining the street that leads to Kiomizu-dera. This meant that by the time we actually got to Kiomizu-dera it was almost closing time, but we decided to give it a shot anyway.

Although we have not seen any other temples built in the same fashion as Kiomizu, the "stage" style was apparently really popular during the Edo period. The benefit to the "stage" style is that there is ample room for the many pilgrims (and now mainly tourists) who visit.

Crowds making their way through the rain to the temple

Bells outside of the main hall's entrance

Prayers and wishes 

Buckets full of the day's rain.