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A Student's view of Japan
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KINKAKU-JI
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The Kinkaku-ji was built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu(1358-1408). Its gorgeousness was the symbol of Kitayama culture. It was burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955 as an exact replica of the original pavilion. 100,000 pieces of 22K gold paper(10cm x 10cm) were used to rebuild it. The Kinkaku-ji is a three-story pavilion. The first floor is in the Heian-period(794-1185) shinden-zukuri architectural style, the style of early palace buildings. The second floor is the bukezukuri style, that of the architectural style of a samurai house of the Kamakura period(1185-1333). The third floor is the Kukyocho(Firmament Top), Zen-temple
style. The pond which reflects the beautiful form of the Kinkaku-ji is Kyokochi(Mirror Pond).
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The Kiyomizu-dera(Clear Water Temple) is known as Kiyomizu-san, but its original name is Otawa-yama Kiyomizu-dera. Its famous "Kiyomizu terrace" is built over the cliff and the view from the terrace is magnificent. The sunset on the range of Nishiyama mountains adds poetic charm to the season.
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KIYOMIZU-DERA
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NANZEN-JI
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The Nanzen Temple is the chief temple of Rinzaishu(Zen sect of Buddhism) Nanzen Temple group and it used to be the imperial villa of Emperor Kameyama. The huge, two-story San-mon, one of the three largest gateways in Japan was first built in 1296 but destroyed by fire in 1447. In 1626, it was rebuilt by Todo Takatora. It is an important cultural asset and also famous for Kabuki drama with a play from the life of Ishikawa Goemon. Its Zen karasenzui(dry garden)is among the more noted of such carefully designed Japanese Zen gardens. In the garden, there are a few rocks constitute what is known as the Tiger and Cubs Zen Garden.
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Favourite links
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