Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji Temple or Golden Pavilion is the most popular tourist spot and landmark of Kyoto. The three-storied unique structure with three different styles was originally founded in the end of the 14th century as a villa by the third shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.  He had an absolute power at that time and tried to show off his power with this gorgeous pavilion.

The original structure was burned down by arson in 1950. The present structure was reconstructed in 1955 and renovated in 1987 with five-times-thick gold leaf during Japan's bubble economy. Really shining!

 In front of the pavilion, there is a beautiful pond called "Mirror Pond", you can easily imagine how the name came from. We can see double golden pavilions on a clear day.

Today was a very cold winter day and the weather forecast said that it would snow in the northern part of Kyoto city. I got up early to visit Kyoto as I hoped to see the Golden Pavilion in the white snow.
( Goden Pavilion is located in the northern mountainside of Kyoto, so I thought it would be snowy.)

However, as you can see, there was no snow. Some people enjoy matcha green tea in the open air.

Today I couldn't experience White Golden Pavilion, but  I had a nice time. With few tourists, I could relax and went with a gentle flow of time there.  There'll be another time.