Was Kinkaku-ji always golden? Let’s ponder the story behind the \u9f95\u524d\u5802\u6539\u7bc9\u8a18\u5ff5\u7891 Stone.
Kyoto is steeped in history. It served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868. This city shaped the country’s politics art and architecture. Today Kyoto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now about the \u9f95\u524d\u5802\u6539\u7bc9\u8a18\u5ff5\u7891 Stone. Kyoto boasts over 1600 Buddhist temples. Kinkaku-ji stands out as one of the most popular buildings. Thousands of visitors see it every year.
Previously Kinkaku-ji was a villa. It was named Kitayama-dai. A powerful statesman Saionji Kintsune owned it. In 1397 the Saionji family sold the villa to Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Later it transformed into the Kinkaku-ji complex. After Yoshimitsu died Kinkaku-ji became a Zen temple. This was his wish.
The temple did not stand unharmed. During the Onin War from 1467 to 1477 fire razed Kinkaku-ji. All buildings turned to ashes. Only the pavilion survived. Later a young monk burned the pavilion in 1950. Hayaki Yoshen was the monk’s name. He got arrested before he could commit suicide. He was sentenced to seven years. Health issues led to an early release. The original statue of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu burned too. It was restored later during renovation.
Gold leaf covers the top and second floors of Kinkaku-ji. Rebuilding took place after the fires. Japanese lacquer was decaying so it was replaced. Gold leaf coated the roofs. Renovation finished by 1987. The gold leaf was thicker than the original.
The name Kinkaku-ji comes from the gold leaf. But the gold is more than decoration. It is meant to purify negative feelings towards death.
Elegant gardens surround Kinkaku-ji. They retain their original design from Yoshimitsu’s time. Visitors view Kinkaku-ji from across the pond. They pass the head priest’s former home. The path goes behind Kinkaku-ji through the gardens. Anmintaku Pond is in these gardens. It never dries up. Statues are also there. People throw coins at them for luck. The Sekkatei Tea house was added during the Edo Period.
The pavilion illustrates harmony between heaven and earth. It was designed from Japanese culture. It also represents the Western Paradise of Buddha Amida.
The Kinkaku-ji pavilion extends over Kyoko-chi pond. The pond reflects the building. It contains 10 small islands. Zen typology appears through rock composition. Bridges and plants represent famous places from literature. The largest islet represents Japan. Four stones represent sailboats.
Tourists view the pavilion from a distance. They cannot enter. The head priest’s former quarters are not open to the public. They are known as Hojo. They are famous for painted sliding doors.
The best times to visit Kinkaku-ji are during autumn and winter. Red leaves in autumn make the reflection look like flames. Pine trees make the Kinkaku-ji electric in winter. The golden pavilion reflects in the calm water.
Kinkaku-ji is a great historic site. It is a place to learn about Asian culture. It is a place to appreciate the past. So next time you see the \u9f95\u524d\u5802\u6539\u7bc9\u8a18\u5ff5\u7891 Stone remember that Kyoto is more than just temples. It is a city where every stone tells a story.