If you’ve been to Kyoto, chances are that you’ve been to Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺). It is one of most visited places in the ancient capital of Japan.
The Golden Pavilion has three levels, each carrying a distinctive architecture style: shinden (11th century aristocracy) on the first level, buke-zukuri (warrior residence) on the second, and Chinese Zen (Buddhist temple) on the third.
The top two levels of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf from Kanazawa. The roof is thatched with shingles and crowned with a glistening phoenix.
Functioning as a shariden (舎利殿) – a Buddhist hall used to store relics of Buddha – Kinkaku, along with its surrounding pond and Japanese strolling garden, is said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world.
Created years after the Golden Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺) was modeled after Kinkaku-ji .
But unlike its predecessor, the Silver Pavilion did not contain any silver foils.
It is known for its raked sand garden where a massive sand cone stood symbolizing the sacred Mount Fuji.
Although not as popular as the Golden Pavilion, I found Ginkaku-ji at its best during the fall foliage season when visitors line up to enter the garden.
Kinkaku-ji(金閣寺)
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan
Phone: +81 75-461-0013
Webpage: http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/k_access.html
Ginkaku-ji(銀閣寺)
Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8402, Japan
Phone: +81 75-771-5725
Webpage: http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/g_about.html
This has been on my list. Can’t wait to visit soon. Thanks for sharing! Nice snaps! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks SheryL♥! I hope you will visit them soon. The Golden Pavilion could be a little touristy at times. But go early or later to avoid the tour groups.
LikeLike
Thanks for the tip!^^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos of this special place! Hope to see it soon. Were you there in September or October?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amy. I went to the Golden Pavilion in February and the Silver Pavilion end of November.
LikeLike
I never made it to Ginkaku-ji, but the autumnal colours look beautiful there. The Japanese have landscaping down to a T – their gardens always seem so tranquil and I get the impression that no element is there by chance, as such. Although I knew Kinkaku-ji would be busy, the throngs of tourists were just incredible. Visiting at the end of the day enabled us to avoid the larger crowds, but I think it also helped that a lot of people walked in (often in tours), stayed for about five minutes to look at the temple and then moved on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely right Rosie. They do move on pretty fast 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the better for those of us who like to linger awhile 🙂
LikeLike
The Golden Pavilion looks gorgeous so does the whole place! The photos are amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Agness!
LikeLike
Pretty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ginkaku-ji with the fall foliage is stunning! Beautiful photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Aya!
LikeLike
Now that’s what I call serene! Book me in to that Buddhist temple 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
LikeLike
Looks amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The red of those leaves are beautiful! Great pictures, I hope to make it to Japan soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the autumn foliage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Audrey!
LikeLiked by 1 person