Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji

Introduction:

Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially named Rokuon-ji. Built in 1379, it was originally the villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and later converted into a Zen temple. It is called Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) because the building is covered in gold leaf. It is a three-story pavilion: the first floor is the Hojo (Dharma Water Hall); the second floor is the Togudo (Sound of the Tide Cave), which enshrines a statue of Kannon; the third floor is a square-shaped Buddha hall that houses three statues of Amitabha Buddha. In front of the temple is a garden centered around the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), and the view of the magnificent Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond is an iconic Kyoto scene. Kinkaku-ji has been designated as a National Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The Yukei-tei tea house, known for its unique engawa (veranda) and nandina pillar, is also worth visiting.

Transportation:

City bus stop: Kinkaku-ji-mae

Kyoto, Japan

Further reading:

· Second Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units