The Golden Temple--Our Favorite!

Our next stop was Kinkakuji Temple.  As we approached it, we noticed this star on the mountain next to the temple grounds.

Kimono Alert!

The priest's living quarters....we love the roofs of many of the buildings.

We had to walk a little way down a path that was lined with trees.  As we turned the corner, this site was before us.  We all stopped and took a little intake of breath.....it was the most beautiful thing we have seen in Japan so far!

There were still some large clouds in the sky from the rain the day before, so the sun wasn't shining on it.  However, it was still just so gorgeous.  We stood in awe.

Kinkaku-ji was built as a villa by a statesman.  Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Muromachi period, fell in love with the area and purchased it in 1397.  He had the top two floors covered in gold foil and lacquered.  A shining phoenix stands on the roof.
Each of the three levels are built in the different architectural style.  The first level is built in the style of the 11th-century imperial aristocracy; the second level is in the style of the samurai residences; and the top level is in the Chinese Zen hall style.
It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

The gardens and buildings are said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world.  The villa also functioned as an official guesthouse for Emperor Gokomatsu and other members of nobility.
After Yoshimitsu died, in keeping with his will, the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple.  (Nathan was being obstinate and wouldn't get in the picture)

As we walked around the pond, the sun came out from behind the clouds and we were able to see the golden temple in all its glory in the sun!

The fish in the pond that surrounds the temple.

One more picture, because it really is the prettiest thing we have seen in Japan so far.  The pictures do not accurately capture the beauty of this place.  We loved how the temple was shining in the sun's rays and how it reflected in the pond.  (As I finish this post, two weeks later, I am still getting goose bumps as I remember the scene.)

Carp Rock....got a rainbow.

It is said that if one is able to throw a coin into the middle stone, they will have good luck.  We all tried, some of us hit the stone but it bounced out.

The gardens hold a few other spots of interest including Anmintaku Pond that is said to never dry up.

Near the Fudo Hall, there was a small tea shop where one could get some tea and sweets and sit here.  I love how the red looks surrounded by moss and trees.  Very inviting.

Fudo Hall, a small temple hall which houses a statue of Fudo Myoo, one of the Five Wisdom Kings and protector of Buddhism.  Nathan--in picture--is checking out the huge amount of incense that was burning.

As we exited the grounds, we had another kimono alert....

...and as we got back on the street to go toward our bikes, we had another one,.....

....and another one.....

...and another one!  Wow!  Kyoto really loves their kimonos!  We have seen so many more kimonos in the three days we have been in Kyoto than in all of our time in Tokyo!  Love it!