The Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) is properly called Rokuon-ji Temple. Three years after Yoshimitsu, the 3rd Shogun of Ashikaga abdicated the throne in 1394, he began to build Kitayamaden and he made a special effort to make it a breath-taking site. After his death it became a Zen temple in accordance with his will. The original gardens still remain as well as Kinkaku.
The building consists of three types of architecture. The 1st floor is palace style; the 2nd floor is the style of a samarai house and the 3rd floor is Zen temple style.
The Chinese Phoenix guards the building.
Today the crowds of students were even larger!
The details of the roof lines and ornamentationare fascinating.
There was an older Japanese gentleman who was telling us about this tree (all one finely pruned tree). It began life as a bonsai tree, well loved and cared for. When it's owner died the tree was planted in the ground and has been there for 600 years. It is shaped like a ship facing the west.
More roof details..
Beautiful grounds...
More of the same questions :-)
After a somewhat congested wander through the grounds, we headed down the hill to the next temple - Ryoanji Temple. This was originally a country house of the Tokudaiji Clan. It was acquired in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto for use as a Zen training temple. It was destroyed by fire in the late 1400s and was rebuilt in 1499. It is famous for its Rock Garden. This 25 x 10 meter garden is composed of only 15 rocks and white gravel. It continues to be cared for by the monks living here.
The entryways and gardens are meant for strolling
and meditating. There are many small wonderful additions to see...
protection for small trees...
tree supports for weeping cherry...
the weeping cherries were dropping their pedals
in the breeze...just like snow falling...exquisite!
More roof details..
Beautiful grounds...
More of the same questions :-)Ryoanji Temple
After a somewhat congested wander through the grounds, we headed down the hill to the next temple - Ryoanji Temple. This was originally a country house of the Tokudaiji Clan. It was acquired in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto for use as a Zen training temple. It was destroyed by fire in the late 1400s and was rebuilt in 1499. It is famous for its Rock Garden. This 25 x 10 meter garden is composed of only 15 rocks and white gravel. It continues to be cared for by the monks living here.
The entryways and gardens are meant for strollingand meditating. There are many small wonderful additions to see...
a Buddha tucked away in a small alcove...
wonderful roof details...
wonderful roof details...
small temples...
pagodas...
maple leaves on the gate entry...
small boathouse in pond...
laborers throughout the garden cleaning paths, pruning trees, weeding...
and in this temple a wonderful cherry grove...
pagodas...
maple leaves on the gate entry...
small boathouse in pond...
laborers throughout the garden cleaning paths, pruning trees, weeding...
and in this temple a wonderful cherry grove...
protection for small trees...
tree supports for weeping cherry...
the weeping cherries were dropping their pedalsin the breeze...just like snow falling...exquisite!
camellias as well...
bell outside the temple...
removing our shoes to enter the temple with the Rock Garden
the Rock Garden...
wall drawing in the hall beside the Rock Garden...
lovely moss garden nearby...
After a wonderful couple of hours wandering we headed to
bell outside the temple...
removing our shoes to enter the temple with the Rock Garden
the Rock Garden...
wall drawing in the hall beside the Rock Garden...
lovely moss garden nearby...After a wonderful couple of hours wandering we headed to
Nannaji Temple
Our final UNESCO World Heritage Site for the day was Ninna-ji Temple, completed in 888. The temple was destroyed by fire in 1467 and rebuilt 150 years later. Most surviving buildings date from the 17th century.
Five-story pagoda
Bell Tower...
Mie-do
Golden lotus flowers
After a short wander our time was short so we headed back to the hotel for a quick shower and rest before our night tour. It was a super day!!
Our final UNESCO World Heritage Site for the day was Ninna-ji Temple, completed in 888. The temple was destroyed by fire in 1467 and rebuilt 150 years later. Most surviving buildings date from the 17th century.
Five-story pagoda
Bell Tower...
Mie-do
Golden lotus flowersAfter a short wander our time was short so we headed back to the hotel for a quick shower and rest before our night tour. It was a super day!!
