Mum and Dad in Kyoto - Day 1

11/17/2014

Kinkaku-Ji and Ryoan-Ji Temples

On our first day in Kyoto we visited Kinkaku-ji - the Golden Pavilion. It floats like an apparition over the surrounding pond.

Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshi-mitsu. It was burnt down in 1950 by an obsessed monk and reconstructed shortly after.
It is covered in gold leaf and features a phoenix on the top of the roof. It is considered the second most famous sight in Japan after Mt Fuji. Even dogs come to see it !

We then visited Ryoan-ji, most famous for its rock garden. The garden was arranged some time between 1333 - 1576. It is called a hira-niwa, a flat garden void of hills or ponds. It is said to reveal the simplicity and harmony of Zen meditation.

Later on we visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Then we went out for dinner.

2 Comments

meggy link

11/17/2014 01:10:07 pm

hi mama! hi dada! we really miss you you look like your having alot of FUN! phoebe,and sarah say hi! we love you so much !
we really like the trees and photos, is it autumn?
my personal favourite (Meggy) is the first and second ones. i love them because you are in the first one and i like the trees in 2nd one.
I love love love love the yellow building i just really like those chinese/ japanese style of buildings!
is it fun?

Dad

11/17/2014 03:45:11 pm

Thanks Meggy
You are right, we are having a lot of fun. Kyoto is really beautiful and, yes, it is autumn. I updated the blog about the temple (Kinkaku-ji) that you like. How about it being covered with gold leaf? You can buy drinks here that have gold leaf in them. Apparently it is good for you. We miss you all so much. Lots of love, Daddy

Mum and Dad in Kyoto - Day 1

Kinkaku-Ji and Ryoan-Ji Temples

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