Friday, March 08, 2013

Kinkaju-ji - The Golden Pavilion

We started our day at the Kinkauku-Ji - the "Golden Pavilion".

It was built originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for a shogun, and converted into a Buddhist temple by his son. In 1950, it was burnt down to the ground by a young Monk. It was rebuilt in 1955, following the original design exactly, but for the gold-foil covering was extended to the lower floors.

We arrived around 9:30 (it opened at 9:00) knowing that it is a popular destination for tourists. It was mostly full of school-aged kids on field trips! They were all over, in their school uniforms and matching hats.


The Golden Pavilion rising over the reflecting pool


Some of the school-aged kids on a field trip being counted near us. Who's that tall white guy in the back corner?




Gold foil on lacquer covers the upper two levels of Kinkaku, an da phoenix stands on top of the shingled roof.


The Ryumon Taki - Carp Rock




The Temple -Fodo-Do


Prayer Candles for purchase


Dick, lighting our Prayer Candle


burning incense in front of the temple

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