Zuikozan Kiyomizudera Temple (Yasugi Kiyomizudera Temple)

Zuikozan Kiyomizudera stands in a forested mountain glen in Yasugi, reached by a long stone stairway flanked by stone lanterns and weathered gates. The name combines the two miracles of its founding legend: a shaft of light, zuiko, and a spring of clear water, kiyomizu, that appeared after a week of prayer. The main hall, rebuilt in 1406 and enlarged several times since, is the fifth and largest to stand on this site. A three-story pagoda built in 1859 is unusual for being made of zelkova wood, and visitors are permitted to climb to the top floor, a rare allowance at Japanese pagodas. The carved dragons between the eaves brackets were made by a local carpenter who taught himself pagoda construction. Zen meditation is practiced in the main hall.