Spotlight On Kiyomizu-Dera

Above, Kiyomizu-dera's stage on the main building undergoing renovation in August 2004.

Spotlight on Kiyomizu-Dera

Text and Photos by Armand Vaquer

In Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Godzilla passes Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto while seaching for Baby Godzilla.

According to Wikipedia:

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺?), officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kiyomizu-dera was founded in the early Heian period. The temple dates back to 798, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633.

I visited Kiyomizu-dera in August 2004 with G-TOUR and found it to be one of my highlights of the trip. Although the walk to the temple was a tad strenuous (it is on a steep hill), the beauty of the temple and its surroundings were well worth the hike.

Above, Kyoto as seen from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera's main building. Note Kyoto Tower, which was blasted by Godzilla in "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II."

The main building of the temple with its stage was shown in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II with Godzilla in the background. At the time of our visit, it was undergoing renovation. It was built over Otowa waterfall. Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water.




Kiyomizu also has a pagoda (left) and down the hill from the temple are numerous shops that would satisfy the most rabid shopper.


The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan provides directions on how to get to Kiyomizu-dera.

For more on Kiyomizu-dera, go here.

Kyoto Station Spotlight

Above, Kyoto Station as seen from a window of a shinkansen train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto Station Spotlight

Category: Japan Travel

by Armand Vaquer

The spectacular battle between Gamera and Irys in Gamera 3: Awakening of Irys (released by ADV as Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris) took place in the cavernous Kyoto Station in Kyoto, Japan.

It is Japan's second largest train station (after Nagoya Station). The station was built to celebrate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. Kyoto Station opened in 1997. The station's construction cost was $1.25 billion.

Kyoto Station was conceived by architect Hara Hiroshi. The futuristic design was criticized when it was first announced as Kyoto is mainly known for its traditional Japanese architecture. The station is 70 meters high and 470 meters from east to west, with a total floor space of 238,000 square meters.

The enormous size of Kyoto Station's interior was big enough to fit both Gamera and Irys in the movie.

Returning from touring Miyajima Island and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, 2004's G-TOUR members were in awe over the massive interior of the station upon entering it.

Kyoto Station is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

For more information and photographs of Kyoto Station, go here.