By Alex
The world heritage Kinkaku-ji Temple in Japan (officially known as Rokuon-ji) began renovating the roof of its iconic Golden Pavilion (officially called the Shariden) last September, taking advantage of the reduced visitor numbers during the pandemic. The work was completed just in time before 2020, and as Kyoto started snowing on the evening of December 30, the gleaming Golden Pavilion was adorned with a delicate layer of white snow.
The year-end snow scenery around the newly renovated Golden Pavilion was stunning and truly special. pic.twitter.com/DwBOAedRXS
— kix. (@KIX_dayinmylife) December 31, 2020
▲ “On New Year’s Eve, the renovated Golden Pavilion looked even more beautiful and special under the enchanting snow.”
The roofs of the second and third floors of the Golden Pavilion were last renovated 18 years ago. After years of weathering and peeling, the originally hinoki cypress wooden shingles had darkened to a deep brown. This renovation replaced approximately 100,000 wooden shingles and used about 10,000 ten-centimeter square gold leaf sheets to repair the roof’s phoenix ornament and other damaged areas, giving the Golden Pavilion a brand-new look to greet the New Year.
▲ (photo by KIX_dayinmylife @Twitter)
▲ (photo by KIX_dayinmylife @Twitter)
The Golden Pavilion opens at 9:00 AM, but on the morning of December 31, visitors had already formed long queues at the entrance, eager to see the snow-covered Golden Pavilion. After a night of snowfall, only a thin layer of snow coated the newly renovated roof, but it was enough to cover the original light wood color. The dazzling golden exterior walls paired with the white rooftop, along with reflections on the water’s surface and surrounding snowy plants, created a truly magical “Snowy Golden Pavilion” scene.
▲ (photo by KIX_dayinmylife @Twitter)
▲ (photo by KIX_dayinmylife @Twitter)
In fact, the most coveted sight for the Japanese is the “Snowy Golden Pavilion” set against a blue sky. Though Kyoto is cold, due to geographical factors, local meteorological data shows that the city averages only five snowy days per year, with an average snow depth of just five centimeters. The light snow melts quickly once the sun comes out, and since the Golden Pavilion doesn’t open until 9:00 AM, it takes quite a bit of luck to witness the “Snowy Golden Pavilion” under a blue sky.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by Kyoto @lotus.m.lotus (@lotus.m.lotus)
▲ Kyoto sees snow on average only five days per year.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by さとっち (@satocchi555)
▲ The newly renovated Golden Pavilion shines brilliantly under the blue sky.
Source: Asahi Shimbun Chinese website, XIN Media