One of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites is Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple, also known as the Temple of the Pure Water Spring.

Two grade 11 students—Mayu and Yu, the OYISTER photographers—visited Kiyomizu-dera this autumn and took a number of beautiful photographs, many of them featuring the famous red leaves that define the season of autumn.

“It was a really relaxing time to take a break from school,” says Mayu.

But, as expected of such a well-known and culturally significant temple, “There were a lot of tourists,” Mayu says, “both Japanese and foreigners.”

Mayu and Yu also enjoyed some classic Japanese food and drink, like tempura and matcha.

Yu says, “The weather was perfect.” And indeed it was! The clear blue sky is visible in the background of most of the photos.

Have you ever been to Kiyomizu-dera? If so, what did you think? And if not, do you want to? Let us know in the comments!