Kannon would reward these acts of faith by granting one wish

But what if you did not survive the fall?
Well, it was not all bad news.
Your soul would be carried directly to "Kannon's Pure Land", Mount Potalaka (補陀洛 'Fudaraku-san'), in the seas south of India

The jump was seen as an act of faith in Kannon (十一面千手千眼観音). Those planning on making the jump would typically retire for a period of prayer and reflection within the main hall.

In the Genroku era (元禄 1688-1704) alone 20 jumps were recorded.

Astonishingly, the temple recorded 234 attempts!

Although the stage is 13m high, the survival rate amongst jumpers was a good 85% (landings cushioned by bushes and the gradient of the hillside).
Jumping is now prohibited, so please don't try

'Young Woman Jumping from the Kiyomizu Temple Stage with an Umbrella as a Parachute' (清水の舞台より飛ぶ美人) by Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木春信 1724-1770), Utagawa Yoshiume (歌川芳梅 1819-1879) and Toyohara Chikanobu (豊原周延 1838–1912).

Image thanks-http://arc.ritsumei.ac.jp

Evening at Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), just before the lights go out.

Here's some highlights from what may well have been the last Hanatōro.

A little later in the evening the crowds thin out...the perfect time to have Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) to yourself.