Kinkaku (The Golden Pavillion) is a shariden, a Buddhist hall containing relics of Buddha. The pavilion is part of a temple that is formally named Rokuon-ji Temple, but commonly called Kinkaku-Jim Temple, or Temple of this Golden Pavilion. Rokuon-ji is a Zen Buddhist Temple, in the Shokokuji School of the Rinzai Sect.
This area was originally the site of a villa called Kitayama-dai and owned by a statesman, Saionji Kintsune. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, The 3rd shogun of the Muromachi period, took a liking to the area and acquire it from the Saionji family in 1397. He then built his own villa, which he named Kitayama-den.
The garden and buildings centered on the Golden Pavilion were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The villa also functioned as an official guesthouse, welcoming Emperor Gokumatsu (Father of Zen teacher, Ikkyu) and other members of the nobility. Trade with China prospered during the Muromachi period, and the villa reached it’s height of glory as the heart of what became known as Kitayama Culture.
After Yoshimitsu died, in keeping with his will, the villa was converted into a temple by the priest Muso-kokushi, who became the first abbot. The temple’s name, Rokuon-Jim, was derived from the name Yoshimitsu, was given the next world, Rokuon-in-den.
In 1994, Rokuon-ji Temple was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site.
(Ref: Temple pamphlet)
Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, literally “Temple of the Golden Pavilion”), officially named Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺, literally “Deer Garden Temple”), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan.[2] It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually.[3] It is designated as a National Special Historic Site, a National Special Landscape and is one of 17 locations making up the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which are World Heritage Sites.
(Ref: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji)
Gold foil on lacquer covers the upper two levels of Kinkaku and a shinning Phoenix stands on top of the shingles roof. The first level is built in the shinden style of the 11th century imperial aristocracy; the second level is the buke style of the warrior aristocracy; and the top level is the Chinese zenshu-butsuden style. Overall, Kinkaku is representative of Muromachi-period architecture.
(Ref: Temple pamphlet)
The pond with the Golden Pavilion, and islets large and small, is the center of the garden. Rocks donated by various provincial lords of the period are placed through the garden. As a pond garden designed for strolling , it is typical of the Muromuchi period. The garden is listed as a National Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
(Ref: Temple Pamphlet)
Th detached tea house was built during the Edo period. Kinkaku is especially beautiful when seen from here in the late afternoon sun. This view is reflected in the tea house name, Sekkatei (Place of Evening Beauty). The famous alcove pillar is nandina wood (heavenly bamboo).
(Ref: Temple pamphlet)
The temple’s main image is a stone statue of the Buddhist deity Fudo-myo-o. This statue is thought to have been made in the 9th century by Kobo-daishi, founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Although normally hidden from public view, the image has long been revered for miraculous powers. Open-door rituals are held on Setsuban (in early February) and and August 16th.
(Ref: Temple Pamphlet)
Beautiful temple that is one of the most famous, if not thee most famous, temple in Kyoto. I believe there are a couple of prettier ones in the area, but this temple is still a really beautiful site.