Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji Temple Review

Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

Rainmaker
Marietta, GA

Beloved Landmark Covered in Gold Leaf, Beautiful in Any Season

Love Japan, Wanderer, a global traveler

Pros

Phenomenal

Cons

Crowds

FEB

2008

This temple, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, is a favorite place with tourists and locals in any season. It is on many tourist bureau posters and on most people's must see list. During my first visit to Japan, time got away from me and it was the place that I missed, so it was the place I wanted to be sure not to miss this time out.

The temple you see here was rebuilt in 1955 after the 1950 fire set by a disgruntled monk. It is covered in gold leaf. The popularity of the spot is its one vice. Coming early is recommended at all temples, but this one especially. The rub is that it is a little harder to come to this one first. It is in the middle of several effecient travel routes and a bit less convenient to go there first unless it is the single priority.

The setting looks peaceful and deserted, but the crowds are everywhere that they are allowed to be and you will vie for a descent spot to take a photo. These photos were taken on a busy weekend afternoon, elbow to elbow with other who were waiting their turn to step into the best spots for a photo. We were there in November and this is also a popular touring time for school children. One brazen photographer hopped the fence to get that better shot and tripped a lazer activated alarm while we were there. He was quite embarassed and came back quickly.

The most popular seasons are Cherry Blossoms and Fall, but I have seen beautiful photographs covered in snow. These photos are taken by Pat Hubner of Michigan. Wouldn't you know that when I finally made it to one of the most photographed places on the planet, my battery ran out of juice!

For more information:

http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/japan/kinkakuji1.html

http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/kyoto/kinkakuji.html

Last edited on Feb 13, 2008