"Kiyomizu-dera on Mount Otowa is one of the most famous temples in Japan , a place that appears in every sequence of Japanese travel photos. The landscape is all cherry trees and forest; it is among Kyoto 's loveliest spots. The current structure dates to 1633 and is one of 33 temples on a pilgrimage circuit in the Kansai region dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The circuit runs from the south ofWakayama north to the Sea of Japan . You’ll see pilgrims carrying nokyo-cho —books stamped to record the visit—and monks busily inscribing in calligraphy. The temple, set against a steep hill and constructed on huge pilings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site."