Visit Japan Web Kinkakuji
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Kinkakuji, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto. Its top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf. Originally known as Rokuonji, the temple served as the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. According to his will, it was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his passing in 1408. Kinkakuji served as the inspiration for Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), which was constructed by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the opposite side of the city a few decades later.
An impressive structure, Kinkakuji is situated overlooking a large pond and stands as the sole surviving building of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. Throughout its history, the temple has been destroyed by fire multiple times. Once was during the Onin War, a civil conflict that devastated much of Kyoto. And once more in 1950 when it was set ablaze by a zealous monk. The current structure was reconstructed in 1955.
The Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period is evident in the design of the first floor,. It features natural wood pillars and white plaster walls that both contrast and complement the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. The first floor houses statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu.
On the second floor, the Bukke style is showcased with its exterior entirely covered in gold leaf. It is commonly seen in samurai residences. Inside, a seated Kannon Bodhisattva is surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. But these statues are not accessible to the public. Lastly, the third and uppermost floor is designed in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall. It features gilded interior and exterior and crowned with a golden phoenix.
