Japan: Kyoto V - Kinkajuji Temple
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 2
Day 2 in Kyoto! We will be covering the northern-western part of Kyoto on this day, namely Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Arashiyama.
First up, Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion). Don't confuse it with Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), located on the north-east of Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion as its name suggests, came first. It is a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, hence it's name. The temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.
Getting there is a little more work because it's somewhat further from the main city. The first way is to take direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 (40 minutes, 220 yen) from Kyoto Station. The second way it to take Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (Station no. K04) (15
minutes, 250 yen), then hire a taxi (10 minutes, around 1000 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 220 yen,
bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205)
Entry is at 400 yen, from 9am to 5pm.
Do you see the golden phoenix above the roof?
Fudo Hall is spells the end of your Kinkakuji tour. So offer a prayer for luck if you are keen.
Next up, Ryoan-ji Temple!
Entry is at 400 yen, from 9am to 5pm.
Do you see the golden phoenix above the roof?
Fudo Hall is spells the end of your Kinkakuji tour. So offer a prayer for luck if you are keen.
Next up, Ryoan-ji Temple!
To save time, we took the subway, then transferred to taxi. It was more economical and convenient as there were 4 of us. It's our first taxi ride, and we got hooked after that. A note of advice though, taxis are only economical for short distances.
The first glimpse is this peaceful sight.
I've been known to take photo without overcrowding. Haha. But there were a lot of people there around 10am. Many Japanese visit their own cultural heritage in the traditional yukata, the lighter and simpler casual-wear version of kimono often worn in summer.
Follow the trodden path of people, and it will lead you to closer side view of Kinkakuji. From here, you can see the extravagant Kitayama culture that developed in the wealthy aristocratic circles of Kyoto during Yoshimitsu's times . No visitors are allowed to enter the building, where each floor represents a different style of architecture
There will be many stalls selling talisman and cute souvenirs along the way. They are quite pricey, but oh so cute! My aunt got me a Hello Kitty lucky charm, so sweet!
As you exit the location, you'll be walking along a winding path of the temple's garden that contains some pleasant features along the way, such as a coin tosses for luck, pond and flowers.
You'll come across many prayer halls along your temple trail at Kyoto. Here's a quick guide. At the offering hall, throw a coin into the offering box, of there is gong attached to the rope, use if before praying to get the kami's (god's) attention. Then bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray for a few seconds.
You'll come across many prayer halls along your temple trail at Kyoto. Here's a quick guide. At the offering hall, throw a coin into the offering box, of there is gong attached to the rope, use if before praying to get the kami's (god's) attention. Then bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray for a few seconds.
Information on Kinkakuji - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html
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