An Intimate Exploration into Kyoto: Serene Solitudes & Timeless Tales

— Article 8: Golden Reflections and Zen Whispers, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji’s World Heritage Sites —

On June 20th, 2021, I had the privilege of visiting two of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, each a testament to the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

The Epitome of Elegance: Kinkakuji’s Shariden Pavilion

Artistic Detailing: The Verandas, Windows, and Doors of Shariden

A Different Perspective: The Rear View of Shariden

Shariden Amidst Nature: A Hilltop View Through Verdant Foliage

Kinkakuji, formally known as Rokuonji, dates back to the 15th century. It was originally a villa belonging to Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the third Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate, before transforming into a Buddhist temple. Upon entering Kinkakuji, I was immediately struck by the Shariden, the temple’s central pavilion. Cloaked in gold, the Shariden stands resplendent, its reflection shimmering across the pond and set against a backdrop of densely forested hills. The pavilion, covered both inside and out in gold leaf, is the embodiment of Kinkakuji’s breathtaking beauty.

Historical Legacy: The Pine Tree Cultivated by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga

Time-Honored Tranquility: An Ancient Tea Room in Serene Repose

Adjacent to Shariden, I discovered the Hojo with a pine tree, reputedly planted by Yoshimitsu himself, standing sentinel at its front.

Majestic Threshold: The Imposing Entrance Gate of Ryoanji

Lotus Adorning Kyoyochi Pond

Approximately one kilometer from Kinkakuji is Ryoanji, another 15th-century marvel. Ryoanji is celebrated for its Sekitei, a Zen rock garden of profound aesthetic and spiritual significance. Entering through the temple’s grand gate, I was greeted by the Kyoyochi Pond, a serene expanse blanketed with lotus leaves. I envisioned the pond in August, resplendent with blooming lotus flowers — a symbol revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism for its purity and spiritual awakening.

Sekitei’s Enigma: The Zen Rock Garden’s Mystical Allure

Artistic Heritage: Plum Blossom Murals on Fusuma Panels

Ink and Inspiration: A Zen Poem Adorning a Folding Screen

The journey culminated at Sekitei, the heart of Ryoanji. Capturing the enigmatic beauty of this stone garden through a lens is a formidable task. However, as I sat in contemplative silence for 20 minutes in front of Sekitei, devoid of any distractions, I felt a profound connection to the garden’s religious underpinnings and design philosophy.

If this is your first encounter with Kyoto’s serene beauty, I invite you to embark on an exploration starting with my previous piece: “An Intimate Exploration into Kyoto: Serene Solitudes & Timeless Tales — Article 1: Lesser Known Gems.”

Stay tuned for my forthcoming article dedicated to the enchanting wonders of the “Daitokuji, a Repository of Hidden Splendors.”