Kiyomizu-dera

If you only visit one temple in Kyoto, make it this World Heritage behemoth. From the balcony at the eastern edge of the complex, you can view an awesome sight: a massive hall and Noh stage supported by 139 wooden pillars. This architectural marvel was built in 1633 using not a single nail, but relying instead on wooden wedges. The temple has a reputation for bestowing good fortune, with numerous ways to appeal to the gods. A natural spring has a sign that states confidently: ‘You can make any wishes here and they will all come true’. In the north of the complex, young ladies close their eyes and try to walk between a pair of stones placed 18m apart. If they make it, legend says, they’ll find true love. Just west of the Main Hall is the Tainai-meguri, a pitch-black tunnel that represents Buddha’s intestine. Feel your way down the short, twisting path and you’ll find a stone that can also grant wishes. Despite all this, some worshippers used to leap from the 13m-high stage, believing their prayers would bwered if they survived the drop.