Kyoto Tour- Kinkakuji

I was glad the weather was still fine when we went there. It's not clear from all of the photos but the place was heaving with tourists of all sorts. Understandably it would be ten times worse in a week fews hence when you would be smack dab in the middle of the 'season'

The Golden Pavilion is a Buddhist reliquary said to contain relics of the Buddha. (But my feelings on such things have always been rude so let's not get into it.)

It is part of the extended 'Rokuon-ji Temple' which is a Zen Buddhist Temple. The gardens and buildings were designed, according to the fashion of the time, to reflect 'The Pure Land' of Buddha in this world.

This is where I note that this is what it is now and it was officially a pimped-out pad for a fabulously wealthy samurai and converted into a temple proper posthumously. Then why, you cry, all the buddhist influence in design. Well, you silly goose, I could argue it with you but let's point out the grand medieval tradition of having your family members painted into religions icons with holy people of your choosing. -_-
Never underestimate the cultural impact of an official state religion.

The temple is still in service  and the lands are quite large. This particular temple is a faithful reconstruction after it was burnt down by one of the monks in the fifties. (1950s)

That is indeed gold leaf covering the upper tiers and before you ask no, you can't go inside. You're not worthy...and neither am I. TT^TT

There is a phoenix on top and the interior is decorated with paintings of dragons and male and female phoenixes. (Which I found slightly odd because I had understood the phoenix was supposed be genderless and simply reincarnating itself every so often. *shrugs shoulders*)

 Do you see the tree held up by sticks? That's a bonsai gone wild m'dears. It was planted outside after the death of the owner and really toook to ground with enthusiasm.

 

 Off the side of the Pavilion is a fishing deck. The waters here, like most similar places are positively teeming with carp.  Is carp good to eat? There's certainly enough around these temples.

The building was certainly impressive but it seems the architects understood the importance of the garden because it is the landscape that makes this place beautiful and not grandiose. A unison of opposites I suppose or a sarcastic comment on organised religion if you fancy. >:3

In short, it's the grounds that make it so spectacular. If this was in a more urbanised area, you have to admit it'd probably come off as..........tacky. XD

 

As part of our entrance tickets we each got a good luck charm. Well, that's what the guide said it was so I hope it's generic good luck charm because these shrines do sell some slightly unusual ones. Traffic safety? I'm not questioning how sensible it is but it does seem oddly specific in the midst of the others.