Sunday, May 07, 2006

>>Ginkakuji – Who’s Got Wood?<<

“Kin” means gold in Japanese and “Gin” means silver. Kinkakuji is the famous temple that looks like it was spray painted gold by hooligans (Google image search it and you’ll see what I mean). It floats in the middle of a pond in a larger park area and is a GIANT tourist attraction in Kyoto. Having already been to Kinkakuji the last time I was in Kyoto, I settled on a less gaudy tourist attraction.

Ginkakuji isn’t spray painted silver – actually it isn’t even silver at all – it’s wood. It is one of the national treasures of Japan and is said to be one of the oldest wooden buildings still in existence (though I doubt any of the original wood is still present in the building as they renovate it every 15 years or so). The grounds were packed with people due to GW and it was pretty darn hot outside to boot. I walked along “Tetsugaku no Michi” or The Philosopher’s Path. This is also another giant tourist attraction in Kyoto. Sure, some might get a kick out of walking in the steps of Basho and other great Japanese thinkers (does anybody even know who these guys are anymore?). But, honestly, the path loses some of its significance because you are inundated with glowing vending machines to your immediate right every five steps.

You mainly go to these temples and park grounds to admire the architecture of the buildings, take pictures of the utterly breathtaking scenery, and look as touristy as possible. I like going to temples by myself because I can see it, take my pictures, and leave promptly. I wouldn’t call Ginkakuji utterly breathtaking, but it was quite pretty – see the pictures below for an impression.

B.E.W.

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