Post #27 (15.05.14) >> The Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Admission was 400Yen/A$4.20

Paul blending in with the school kids

The first purpose of this building was to serve the retiring Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1409) as a residence.
His son converted the building into a Zen temple shortly after his death.

The temple was burnt down twice during Kyoto civil war, spared during WWII bombings but once more burnt down in 1950 by a fanatic monk.
The present structure was rebuilt in 1955 and continues to function as a storehouse of sacred relics.

Kinkakuji overlooks a large pond and is the only building left of the former retirement complex of the 1400s.

The reflection of the gold leafed building is mirrored on the surface of the "Kyokochi" pond.

After viewing Kinkakuji from across the pond, a path leads onwards to the former living quarters and to the gardens, then past a teahouse.

At the garden, there were statues where people threw coins at for good luck.

These school kids had fun trying to throw their coins into the bowl without success.

Cute statue out front of bus stop souvenir shop

The Golden Pavilion was a beautiful place to walk around and see.
If you ever come here, aim to get here at 9am to beat the crowds.