Sunday, May 15
Among Kyoto's many wonders are some of Japan's most impressive Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines. After breakfast we took a bus tour of Kyoto and then visited the Kiyomuzu Temple, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto,
and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was
originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools
within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965.
Kiyomizudera is best known for its
wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto
in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built
without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of
worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.
Kinkakuji Temple(Golden Pavilion) which is a Zen
temple
in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold
leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of
the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu,
and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect
after his death in 1408.
Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond,
and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex.
It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including
twice during the Onin War,
a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently
in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure
was rebuilt in 1955.
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The interior of the first floor of the Golden Pavilion
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Each floor has a different architectural style
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Kinkakuji was built to echo the extravagant Kitayama culture that
developed in the wealthy aristocratic circles of Kyoto during
Yoshimitsu's times. Each floor represents a different style of
architecture.
The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the
Heian Period,
and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet
complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the
Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first
floor. Although it is not possible to enter the pavilion, the statues
can be viewed from across the pond if you look closely, as the front
windows of the first floor are usually kept open.
The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai
residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf.
Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four
Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public.
Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a
Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden
phoenix.
After viewing Kinkakuji from across the pond, visitors pass by the
head priest's former living quarters (hojo) which are known for their
painted sliding doors (fusuma), but are not open to the public. The path
once again passes by Kinkakuji from behind then leads through the
temple's gardens which have retained their original design from
Yoshimitsu's days. The gardens hold a few other spots of interest
including Anmintaku Pond that is said to never dry up, and statues that
people throw coins at for luck.
Continuing through the garden takes you to the Sekkatei Teahouse, added to Kinkakuji during the Edo Period
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before you exit the paid temple area. Outside the exit are souvenir
shops, a small tea garden where you can have matcha tea and sweets (500
yen) and Fudo Hall, a small temple hall which houses a statue of Fudo
Myoo, one of the Five Wisdom Kings and protector of Buddhism. The statue is said to be carved by Kobo Daishi, one of the most important figures in Japanese religious history.
