Postmarked Saitama Shintoshin, dated 1 April 2009.
Kinkakuji Temple Kyoto.
Kinkakuji Temple which was originally erected in 1397 by dynast Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, is harmonious with its back mountains and gardens. That is one of Kyoto's "must-take-a-look" for foreigners.
Asahi Card #190.
Interestingly, the French "blurb" says something a little different:
After a fire in 1950, it was created in its form as originally built by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. With its gardens, always worth a visit.
Originally built as a villa, it was converted into a temple when the owner died. Its official name is Rokuonji Temple, meaning Deer Park Temple. The three story building is covered in pure gold leaf thus giving the unofficial name which means Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The pond in front is called the Mirror Pond and was designed to be like the Seven Treasure Pond of the Buddhist Paradise. Lotus plants symbolise the flowering of truth from the mundane world, and stones and islands represent the eight oceans and nine mountains of the Buddhist creation story.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of 17 such buildings in and around Kyoto, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Oh that is so beautiful Sheila, thank you for sharing (as always, lol). Thanks for stopping by my blog, yes I absolutely love being on my patio away from the hustle and bustle in the front of my house, lol!
ReplyDeleteOh, do I love this. I have to get there someday for sure.
ReplyDeleteI have been here and it is a wonderful site. There is a lake behind it covered in moss and trees and I did see a little tortoise. I would definitely recommend lots of visits here.
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely. I have been here myself and, on my blog, in writing about a trip to Japan, I have a picture of it and some other pictures taken at that site. It is truly a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteHah, I literally JUST sent this exact postcard to a friend of mine. Fun to see it show up here. Scenes like this are a big part of my love of Kyoto.
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