Have you ever wondered how it feels like to be in Japan? Do you want to have a glimpse of a famous temple? Of course, you do. And for some reason, your feet are ready to travel and explore Japan one of these days. Agreeably, Japan is one of the many countries that take pride of temples as its tourist attractions.
One of the most honored temples in Kyoto, Japan is the Kinkaku-ji Temple or also called as Golden Pavilion. It is also known as Rokuon-ji or the Deer Garden Temple. The place is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving pride to the Japanese. Every day, hundreds of tourists flock the place to witness the beauty of the temple and its surroundings.
What to Expect at the Golden Pavillion – Japan
Get your cameras ready and head on to the Golden Pavilion. What to expect? Check these out:
- Kinkaku
The name Kinkaku means gold leaf. This evidently presents why the pavilion is covered with golden leaves. Gold is important to the ancient Japanese. They believe that gold eradicates any negative aura and purifies pollution in the environment. The Golden Pavilion is a great construction that gives impressive ideas to the people just by looking at it. With the sun, it reflects the gold covering of the temple, making it sparklingly awesome and bright. The reflection to the pond is amazing too!
- Shariden
Mainly, the Pavilion is where ashes of Buddha are laid. The three-storey building stands firmly on the Rokoun-ji complex while the two top storeys of the place are filled with pure gold leaf. You can just imagine how magical it is to be there!
- Shinden, samurai, zen
The three floors are designed differently from each other. First floor, The Chamber of Dharma Waters, embraces shinden-zukuri design. It is residential style and open space. If you are looking for a stress-free place, don’t miss to visit this place. Second floor, The Tower of Sound Waves, presents buke-zukuri or warrior style. The Buddha Hall and Kannon shrine is located here. Kannon is said to be the goddess of mercy. Third floor, The Cupola of the Ultimate, reveals traditional zen or zenshu-butsuden-zukuri style. It lavishes more religious touch than the two floors. A phoenix ornament is visible on top of the building.
- Garden
The vast landscape garden bequeaths perfect view of nature with the green grass, green trees, and tranquil environment. The garden somehow connects what’s inside and outside the pavilion.
- Mirror Pond
The Kyoko-chi is the pond which reflects the building and this pond embodies 10 other smaller islands. The largest among it represents Japan. Isn’t it great? Surrounding it, the plants, trees, bridges, and rock formations illustrate both Chinese and Japanese history. Additionally, a fishing deck is located besides the pavilion.
When in Kyoto, do not miss to visit the Golden Pavilion. It is relatively beautiful. Just don’t go there when crowds are most likely also there. Avoid coming here on the holidays or you may come upon opening or upon closing to lay low from a volume of people. And, make sure there is less or no snow when you stop by the place.