Photos

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most popular temple complexes in Kyoto, primarily because of its balance between spirituality and nature, with a terrace looking out over the trees/forest. In the spring it abounds with sakura (cherry blossoms) and in the autumn it is a prime momiji gari (colourful leaves) spot, all the while with the temples as the centrepiece.

But on a recent mid-summer visit, without the cherry blossoms or the colourful autumn leaves, I tried to find something else to make an interesting shot out of such a photographed site. Here the temple and the nature are the backdrop to a close-up of script on an old bell.