Over 1250 years have passed since the foundation of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands the temple, to which large numbers of visitors come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of great mercy and compassion. For this reason, our temple is known as a “Kannon Reijo.” “Reijo” is a Japanese word meaning a “holy place” with which the Kannon’s compassion is abundant.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Located at the foot of Mount Inari, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine enshrines numerous Inari deities, including Uka-no-Mitama-no-Okami, and is one of Kyoto's most popular shrines. The Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates) is its biggest highlight; rows of red torii gates line the mountain path, creating a spectacular sight. It was also a filming location for the movie *Memoirs of a Geisha*. Reaching the halfway point offers breathtaking views of the entire shrine complex.

Located in Japan's Heian period (roughly equivalent to China's Tang and Song dynasties), Arashiyama was once a gathering place for nobles. Many relics from that era can still be seen today, such as the Togetsukyo Bridge, built in the early Heian period. The mountain is dotted with ancient shrines and temples, exuding a quaint and antique charm. The bamboo groves along the paths provide shade from the sun. A memorial stele, bearing the poem "Arashiyama in the Rain" by Zhou Enlai, stands quietly at the foot of the mountain. Arashiyama is particularly enchanting when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the maple leaves turn red.