Six-Day Kansai Tour: Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji

When people think of Kyoto, the image of a golden, radiant ancient temple often comes to mind—Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Originally named Rokuon-ji, it earned the nickname "Kinkaku-ji" due to its gold-leaf-covered exterior walls. ✨⛩️

Kinkaku-ji, officially known as Rokuon-ji, is located in Kyoto's Kita Ward and belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism under the Shokoku-ji school. It was built in 1397 (Ōei 4) and originally served as the residence of the Saionji family during the Kamakura period. Later, it was purchased by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a shogun of the Muromachi period, and transformed into "Kitayama-dono." The central structure, the Shariden (Relic Hall), was adorned with gold leaf, earning it the name "Kinkaku." After Yoshimitsu's death, Kitayama-dono was converted into a Zen temple and renamed Rokuon-ji after his posthumous Buddhist name.

During the Ōnin War, most of the temple's buildings were destroyed by fire, leaving only the Shariden intact. It became the sole surviving relic of Kitayama culture and was designated a National Treasure. In 1950, the Shariden was destroyed in an arson incident but was reconstructed in 1955 to its original design. In 1987, the gold leaf decorations were fully restored.

Kinkaku-ji is a cultural treasure of Japan and served as the inspiration for Yukio Mishima's novel "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion."

The most striking feature of Kinkaku-ji is its dazzling golden exterior. Combined with its reflection on the water and the surrounding lush greenery, every photo taken here exudes a sense of ethereal beauty.

The temple's garden is built along the natural contours of the mountain, featuring meticulously designed stone bridges, ponds, and trees that embody the elegance of Japanese aesthetics. As you stroll along the paths, pay attention to the moss-covered corners, stone lanterns, and uniquely shaped pine trees, all of which make for charming photo opportunities.

Mirror Pond: The water surface reflects the Golden Pavilion, making it the perfect spot for capturing panoramic views of Kinkaku-ji.
Garden Details: Hidden gems of Japanese garden aesthetics can be found in every corner, offering delightful surprises.

On sunny days, the golden structure glimmers under the sunlight, while on rainy or snowy days, Kinkaku-ji exudes a more serene and mysterious charm.

Post by 走跳碰 | Jul 31, 2025