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The Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple and dates back to around 1397 when it was owned by a shogun. The temple was burned to the ground by a monk in 1950. The present temple was rebuilt as an exact replica in 1955. The gold leaf exterior was reworked in 1984.
There is a phoenix adorning the roof of the temple.
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| The lower pond. |
The gardens surrounding the temple are typical of the Muromachi period. While the general public are not allowed inside the temple, we were free to stroll through the gardens.
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| Area for tea ceremonies. I love the red umbrellas peeking trough the trees. |
There were shrines at which to worship.
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| Coin operated offering machines. |
We were each given a blessing to take home with us. The blessing is valid for one year after which one needs to return to Kyoto to have it renewed. Not too onerous a task.
What a beautiful temple and such lovely photographs too- can you read what your blessing said? I would be so interested to know... have a great weekend. x
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