Kinkakuji (Rokuonji)

Kinkakuji (Rokuonji)
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple) is officially called Rokuonji (Deer Garden Temple). Belonging to the Rinzai-Shokokuji sect, this temple stands in a scenic area at the foot of the northern mountain of the mountain range extending in a northwestern direction in Kyoto's basin with Mt. Kinugasa to the west and the left Daimonji mountain in the back. The vacation house of the nobleman, Saionji Kintsune, in the Kamakura era was passed on to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third general of the Muromachi Shogunate, who constructed the "Kitayamaden" (Kinkakuji). Although initially built as a mountain villa, it was turned into a temple after the death of Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji's roof is thatched with thin wood shingles (Kokera-buki) and it is a Shariden (building enshrining the Buddha) with three floors. The first floor on ground level is the Hosuiin built in the Shinden style from the Fujiwara period where the statue of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is kept. The second floor is the Choondo built in the Buke style while the third floor is the Kukicho (Chinese-style Buddha hall). Gold-leaf coating has been applied to the second and third floors. A large garden surrounds Kinkakuji and its appearance of standing at the northern side of the Kyoko-chi (literally, "mirror pond") is extremely beautiful. Going through the tile-roofed Somon (gate) and passing by the priests' quarters will bring you to the spot where Kinkakuji can be seen across the pond. Indeed, this is where many visitors take a break to enjoy the breathtaking view.