Travel to Kyoto Japan~summer 2019

Visit to the Golden Temple

yes it is really gold!

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) literally "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" was originally built as the private residence of a powerful Japanese statesman in the 1200's. The present structure seen here was re-built in 1955 after it had been burned down by a Monk who was eventually found to have serious mental illness.

peaceful walking paths with perfect landscaping

A Zen-Buddhist Temple, this is one of 17 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto and was opened to the public in the early 1950's. It was actually re-built in 1955 after a Monk with mental illness burned down the original structure. One can't walk right up to the Temple; either the pond at it's front, or walkways leading right to the Temple are closed off--very well protected for obvious reasons. The photos below were not taken by me but were part of a display put up by the park. Here you can get a sense of the winter look and what is inside...

The public also can't see the fishing pier at the rear of the pavilion, you can see it if you check out this Wikipedia article:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji for other images and further background.

Such a brilliant and beautiful place with very peaceful trails and gardens it's still an awesome and meditative experience.