Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun, Kinkaku-ji temple, commonly referred to as the Golden Pavilion, is an easy bus ride from the main bus terminal in Kyoto. The temple is one of the most popular buildings in Japan, so expect a lot of fellow gawkers. It exemplifies several different Japanese architecture styles, and the top two levels are completely covered in gold leaf. The extensive gardens are beautifully manicured and serene, despite the abundance of visitors using selfie sticks.

The Golden Temple in Western Kyoto is one of the most frequently visited sites in the city. It is beautiful and I’m glad I had the chance to see it again (I was here before as a young child) but I prefer the smaller, less touristy temples where one can sit and contemplate the simple beauty of Sakura falling into a pond or a tiny, freshly raked rock garden.

The Golden Pavilion is the must-see attraction in the one city that truly gives a foreign visitor deep appreciation for Japanese culture and tradition. You will feel it here whether or not you were looking for it. View the full album!

One of my favorite memories of Japan is Kyoto in the fall. Sipping matcha (powdered green tea) and eating sweet red bean paste desserts beneath ruby umbrellas and auburn foliage next to Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion is one of those moments when the Japan you imagine comes to life.

It was mid-afternoon and at almost freezing temperature, we started roaming Kyoto. I have always read about Kinkaku-ji so my sister and our friends decided to visit the temple which is one of the most popular buildings in Japan attracting a large number of visitors annually. This attracted me as the top two floors are actually covered with pure gold leaf.

Temples in Japan have these ladles everywhere for rinsing your hands and mouth before entering the temple. I found this one inside at a little stream, so I figured a second round of rinsing wouldn’t hurt.

Kyoto is a city of incredible history and awesome architecture. If I could recommend only one sight in Kyoto, I would choose Kinkaku-ji. Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion is a masterpiece. It’s coated in gold leaf and surrounded by a reflecting pond and green forest. I recommend stopping by the tea garden on the path from Kinkaku-ji. To get to Kinkaku-ji, catch a bus from Kyoto Station. It’s about a 50-minute ride.

Ginkakuji Temple can be reached from the Philosopher’s Path. It includes the Silver Pavilion (which isn’t silver), a circular path, a moss garden and dry sand garden. I liked the zen “Moon Viewing Platform,” a flawless cone of sand.

Much like Dorothy in the film, The Wizard of Oz, I felt that I had embarked on a magical and special place once setting my sights on Kyoto’s landmark tourist attraction, The Golden Pavilion. Having traveled 45 minutes from Yokohama, by underground train and bus, this was the start of an adventurous day-trip to Kyoto and nearby, Nara. The gardens surrounding the temple are characteristically Japanese, bountiful and lush. It was a rainy day in April, and yet, the brilliance of the gilded gold leaf and lacquer structure shined brightly, set amongst the gardens and overcast gloom, as if it were the sun illuminating the sky itself.