A couple of weeks ago I visited Kinkaku-ji (temple of the golden pavilion) with some friends. All year round lots of tourists visit this temple but it is known for being especially beautiful in the snow with the contrast of the white and gold. Unfortunately by the time we got there there wasn't much snow left on the roof, however it still looked incredibly beautiful.
The temple is a designated National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape. The current building isn't the original though. In 1950 it was burned down by a novice monk who then attempted suicide on the nearby Daimon-ji hill. However he survived, and was taken into custody. The monk was sentenced to seven years in prison, but was released because of mental illnesses. Then in 1955 the pavilion was rebuilt.
You can't enter the pavilion but you can walk around the beautiful gardens. This was my second time to visit Kinkaku-ji and I recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.
It looks amazing. I'd love to go to Japan one day. I'm sure we will, but the list seems never ending and the time is in short supply!
ReplyDeleteYou must visit one day, there are so many amazing places here!
DeleteAmazing photos! I love the golden colour and the reflection in the water. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It really is a very beautiful place!
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