This time, we had chosen Kinkaku (金閣/the Golden Pavilion) of Rokuon-ji Temple, and Kannon-den (or 銀閣/Ginkaku; which means 'the Silver Pavilion) of Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple for visiting at first. Both are Zen temples and the World Cultural Heritage Sites.
Kinkaku is a Buddhist hall containing relics of Buddha. This was built in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Muromachi period.
The garden and buildings, centered on the Golden Pavilion, were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world.
Gold foils on lacquer cover the upper two levels of the pavilion and a shining phoenix stands on top of the roof.
As a pond garden designed for strolling, it is typical of the Muromachi period.
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| The place for tea ceremony. |
Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple or Ginkaku-ji Temple was established in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the 8th shogun of Muromachi period.
Ginkaku is two storied; the first floor is built in Shoin style (traditional Japanese residential architecture style), and the second floor is Chinese temple style. The bronze phenix stands on the top.
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| The contrast of Ginshadan (銀沙灘) representing waves and white sand Mt. Fuji shaped Kogetsudai (向月台) is enchanting. |
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| Ginkaku and Kinkyochi (錦鏡池) pond |
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| Katoumado (花頭窓) windows of the second level. |
The ground of the garden is perfectly covered with beautiful moss.
In winter orange and red twigs of the shrubs are stunning in the garden.
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| A great egret (great white heron) were aiming at fishes in the pond. |
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