Temple of the Golden Pavilion – Kinkaku-ji

Every major tourist area has its main stop, that must see attraction all visitors must go to or their time in that particular area, town, city or country would be incomplete. Good examples are the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York. For Kyoto that place is Kinkaku-ji or the “Temple of the Golden Pavilion” a retirement villa turned Zen temple originally built in the early 1400s for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who was the grandfather of Ashikaga Yoshimasa whose own retirement home turned Zen temple called the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) was built on the other side of Kyoto a few decades later.

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Kinkakuji looking majestic and reflected on the surface of the pond

Kinkakuji is a sight to behold as the Gold coloured 3 story temple (only top 2 floors are golden) sits next to large pond and surrounded by well-kept gardens. Tourists aren’t allowed inside but each floor of the temple is built in a different style with a golden phoenix on top that looks similar to the one I saw atop Ginkakuji.

zoomed in closer to see the 3 levels and ornament on top

The temple of the golden pavilion is the highlight of a 35-45 minute walk through the grounds of Kinkakuji that features other buildings such as the head priest’s former living quarters, sculptures, tea garden and various gift shops. I spent a long time in awe looking at the temple snapping dozens of photos from as many angles as I could. Kinkaku-ji is easily my single most photographed attraction during my trip to Japan and I could find myself going back there again and again with friends and during the various seasons of the year to observe it’s transformation and get lost its beauty again and again.

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attempting a creative composition through the tress with the contrast of the blue sky

I’d like to apologize for not getting any proper video of the temple, I was so busy snapping photos I forgot I have a camera for video -_-. Lots of photos for your viewing pleasure and I would also like to know if anyone reading this has ever visited Kinkakuji? Plan to or want to? I look forward to your comments below.

hundreds of tourists from all over Japan, Asia and the rest of the world were snappping photos
Don't we all wish we could retire to a golden temple?
this might be my favourite photo of Kinkakuji

[angel]

2 thoughts on “Temple of the Golden Pavilion – Kinkaku-ji

  1. Hiya – looks like it was a good visit to Kinkakuji, and some nice photos (my favourite was actually the reflection and pine needles… and you don’t even get to see the temple at all).

    This is definitely one of Kyoto’s most visited of temples – though one I have to admit is not my favourite. Bus-loads of people and students come in, get out, take a photo and run back to the bus… but there’s a fair bit more to see if you follow the trail around and up into the foothills as you said. Like many places in Japan, the wealth of beauty lies beyond the most obvious things. Below the surface.

    With the 1000’s of visitors the temple receives each day, I’m not sure that I can honestly say that it was in my top 5 Kyoto destinations in terms of fulfilment personally – but if you can get passed the crowds it’s a nice place to visit… and you’re right, it has a beautiful aspect no matter what season.

    Thanks for sharing – although I hope your next trip to Japan you can spend some more time in and around the Kansai area, and Kyoto specifically. There’s so many more treasures to see there.

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