There's been a noticeable absence of bling in my posts, unlike our Germany trips where we hit every noble bling hoard we can. But here it is, today.
Kinkaku-ji Temple aka "the Golden Pavillion"
Built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a Zen temple in 1408. It was burned down in 1950 by a monk who couldn't stand its beauty.
Each floor represents a different architectural style
-first floor is Sinden style, the style of palaces in the Heian Period. Statues of Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored here
-second floor is Bukke style, used in samurai residences and covered in gold leaf. Contains statues of Kannon and the Four Heavenly Kings
-third floor is a Chinese Zen hall topped with a golden phoenix
Included are pictures of pictures of the statues, since you can't see them from across the water.Read more
April 7 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F