Golden Pavillion - Kinkaku-ji Temple Kyoto Japan JBT Sunrise Tour

Kinkaku-Ji temple, the temple of the Golden Pavillion, is one of Japan’s most treasured temples. Its unique architecture, guilded exterior and careful placement on the edge of a meticulously laid out, pine-studded pond in Kyoto. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

We have been so lucky with the beautiful weather we have had. Clear blue skies and perfect weather. The weather made the Golden Temple's reflection in the pond so brilliant. The gardens surrounding the temple were just so well maintained and very zen feeling. I could just sit here and enjoy the beauty around me.

Golden Pavilion is a Zen Temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. The changing of the leaves is so beautiful.

At Kinkaku-Ji temple, I think the architecture and nature play off each other in perfect harmony. The gardens were just amazing.

Warehouse building

 The sound of “La”, known as the bell of the yellow bell butterfly, is used as the reference sound. Continuing through the garden takes you to the Sekkatei Sekkati Teahouse.  

There were lots of vendors selling things to eat, many people bought for snacks.

Back to the Geisha Bus for another adventure here in Kyoto.