Across the Kamo River 鴨川 from central Kyoto, on the eastern hillside is the Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple originated in 778 and its main hall was built in 1633. Like many Buddhist temples in Japan, it is co-located with the Shinto Jishu Shrine 地主神社, a matchmaker god.
Just outside the temple ground are the narrow shopping lanes of Sannenzaka 三年坂 and Ninenzaka 二年坂, which lead to other temples and shrines, including the Ryozen Kannon 霊山 觀音.

Further south is the Sanjusangen-do 三十三間堂, home of the Thousand Armed Kannon 千手観音.
Further north, near the bank of the Kamo River, is the Gion 祇園 district, known for its geishas. We walked through this area two days earlier.