The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion

We got to go to Kinkakuji  today.   Also called the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji is a Buddhist hall on the north side of Kyoto containing relics of Buddha.   Formerly a retirement villa for Shogun Askikaga Yoshimitsu, the top two levels of Kinkakuji are completely covered in gold leaf.

The top two layers are covered in gold leaf.

The top two layers are covered in gold leaf.

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During his era, the temple regularly welcomed emperors and other royalty.  After he died in 1408, the villa was converted into a temple as per Yoshimitsu’s request.P1010129

The Pavilion itself sits in the middle of a small lake, and the reflections of the gold shimmering in the water are gorgeous.   We went late in the day, but still the views were fantastic and the atmosphere stunning.

Reflections

Reflections

The gardens around the Golden Temple are obviously well tended.  We continued to enjoy our visit well after Kinkakuji faded from view.

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