外国人の目から見た日本 Japan Seen Through the Eyes of a Foreigner

We have lived in Japan for a year and a half working as English teachers. This site showcases pictures and stories for friends and family, as well as some potentially useful information for new English teachers in Japan.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

金閣寺 Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

















Kinkakuji is a pavilion in Northwestern Kyoto that is literally covered in gold (kin). Many students have asked me if I have ever been, so we went for a visit.

Kinkakuji is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji. In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408. The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950.
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3 comments:

sosaidellie said...

More photos please!! They remind me of being in Japan. I visited Kinkakuji with my family when I was very young and got mobbed by two bus-loads of Japanese student-nurses because they wanted to touch my blond hair. I think I'm scarred for life ;) Do you have any pics of Nara?

10:39 PM
Thomas and Beth said...

Thanks, more photos on the way, I am just getting started.

11:21 PM
Anonymous said...

Beautiful Pics. Got this site at Thanksgiving dinner yesterday and will try to follow your adventure from here.

6:46 AM

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