You
can't walk two blocks in Kyoto without bumping into a temple, but one
of the most famous is Kinkaku-Ji, or the Golden Pavilion. It was
built by a Shogun in 1397 as his retirement villa. After his death,
in accordance with his wishes, his son converted it to a Buddhist
temple. In 1950 some zealot burned it to the ground, but within five
years it had been rebuilt to exact original design, except more of
the signature gold leafing was added. Set at the edge of a
reflecting pond, it's supposed to be even more picturesque in autumn
when the maples are in full color.
The Golden Pavilion
Street Scene. Like this bicyclist, you see a fair number of Japanese wearing masks. They are either worried about air pollution (which isn't evident here), or they are germaphobes, or they are preparing to perform surgery.
Gate to the Imamiya-Jinja
Shrine
Imamiya-Jinja
Shrine
Kitano
Tenmangu Shrine. Worshipers line up to bow, make an offering, pray and ring the
bell.
Deborah
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