What if I told you that Kyoto has a ward where ancient traditions meet modern life? That place is Kita Ward. Kita Ward means North Ward. It is one of Kyoto’s eleven wards.
Kita Ward was founded in 1955. It was divided from Kamigyo Ward. Kita Ward is not just a place on the map. It is a vibrant community. As of 2020, about 117,165 people called Kita Ward home. The Hiragino typeface is named after an area in this ward.
Imagine strolling through Kita Ward. You would find serene temples and bustling university campuses. Kita Ward offers a unique blend of culture and education.
Kita Ward is home to several prominent universities. Bukkyo University is here. Kyoto Sangyo University is also located in Kita Ward. Ritsumeikan University has its Kinugasa Campus in Kita Ward. Additionally, Otani University calls Kita Ward home.
Kita Ward boasts several famous temples and landmarks. Daitoku-ji is a famous Rinzai sect temple. Kamigamo Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Kinkaku-ji also known as the Golden Pavilion is one of Japan’s most famous temples. Imamiya Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine. It is dedicated to healing. Shinnyo-ji is a sub temple of Shokoku-ji. It is famous for its spring Iris blossoms.
Let’s talk more about Kinkaku-ji. Its official name is Rokuon-ji. It means Deer Garden Temple. This Zen Buddhist temple is a major tourist attraction. Kinkaku-ji is a World Heritage Site. It is also a National Special Historic Site. The Golden Pavilion’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf.
The site of Kinkaku-ji was once a villa. It belonged to Saionji Kintsune. In 1397, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu bought the villa. He transformed it into the Kinkaku-ji complex. After Yoshimitsu died, it became a Zen temple.
The original Golden Pavilion was built around 1399. The gold was meant to purify negative thoughts. During the Onin War, most of the complex burned down. Only the pavilion survived.
In 1950, a monk burned down the pavilion. He was mentally ill. The current structure dates from 1955. It is a close copy of the original. In the 1980s, the gold leaf was replaced. It is now five times thicker than the original.
The Golden Pavilion has three stories. Each floor uses a different architectural style. The first floor is in shinden style. The second floor is in buke-zukuri style. The third floor is in zen style. The building is topped with a bronze phoenix ornament.
The Golden Pavilion sits in a Japanese strolling garden. The garden includes a pond called Kyoko-chi. It reflects the building. The garden represents famous places in literature. It creates a harmony between heaven and earth.
Kita Ward and especially Kinkaku-ji offers a journey through time. It showcases the beauty of Japanese culture. It is a place where history and spirituality intertwine. It leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.