Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan
There has been a temple on this hillside spot surrounded by maples in east Kyoto since 798 AD, although the present temple, an exceptionally pretty wooden shrine, buttressed by countless pillars came up in the 17th century.
In a city of beautiful Shinto and Buddhist temples, Kiyomizu is easily the most appealing and gets its name from a waterfall nearby.
Some facts you probably did not know:
Jumping off the Kiyomizu Temple was considered lucky at one time. Many attempted the 13-metre leap in olden days; jumping today is banned.
Twin love stones at the temple are known to bring romance in the life of the lonely.
Photograph: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
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