Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

Even a rainy day can add an extra layer of intensity to any excursion.  Because you aren't just seeing something - the weather becomes something you FEEL as you take everything that is before in.

We loaded up our bus - all 40 of us exited to greet this day and see what was ready for us in return..

Kinkakuji.  The Golden Pavillion.

Waiting for our tickets, beneath the magnificence of a 600 year old tree.

We weren't the only ones there - the walkways and paths became a rainbow river of colorful umbrellas, everyone trying to keep as dry as possible.

And there it is.  the Golden Pavilion.

The Golden Pavilion's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. 

It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. [source]

Don't you love the pattern of the splashing rain?  Can't you just feel the weather?

There were trails up to other areas of the shrine compound, and we follwed the river of umbrellas up rock stairways and pathways climbing higher so we could look back over the beautiful temple below.

Along the path - Throw your coins in for good luck!

I love seeing these bits of different lives and cultures.

Climbing higher, the beautiful roof still visible.

Even in winter the gardens are so lovely!

Prayer candles

One Jill's, one mine - side by side.

Jill an I have lit candles in various places around the world while we've traveled together.  In Italy, in China, and now here -

In China it was with thoughts of my brother Mark.  This candle is for my sister-in-law Sharolyn (Mark's wife) who is currently recovering from one mastectomy and preparing to start radiation and chemo soon.  There is also another mastectomy for the other breast in the future. Sending her all the love and prayers I can from here.

Smoke, incense, wishes and prayers.

The down staircase!

Good thing I brought that Target umbrella!

From here we headed off to the Kyoto Handicrafts center for a terrific lunch and two workshop to try our hand at cloisonne and folded fan painting!  Click to play:

Most of us felt like we were way out of our comfort zones, but we learned a valuable lessons in allowing ourselves time to play no matter the results!

A lot of fun, a lot of laughs and a great way for our group to get to know one another as we continue on this adventure!

And it begins again today - There is so much more to post but my breakfast buddies are waiting for me to join them so we can eat quick and get a long walk in before we load up on the bus.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

And the adventure continues!

Have a lovely day, everyone!