Long before coming to Japan I had placed Kyoto and Nara was on my to-do list. But then covid hit and I found myself, like much of the rest of humanity, a prisoner in my own home.
Coupled with this was the fact that Japan had some strict lockdown rules. And though they were not as draconian as other places, the last two years really made it feel that way. So, as soon as travel restrictions eased, my friend and I found our way to Kyoto and Nara. Among the places to go is of course The Temple of the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji, as the Japanese call it. It is in Kyoto.
And yes, it is made out of pure gold. I find it remarkable that a structure from 1397 still stands. Not in its original form mind you. It has undergone refurbishments over the centuries, the last of them being in the 1950s following a fire that was allegedly set by a rookie monk.
I am not certain if I should have been disappointed that I could only look at it from a distance seeing that it is surrounded by a mote or something like that. But I guess after fires and the sort they have to take much care of this national and might I daresay international treasure.
I will not bore you with the historical details of this place because it is long and textured. What I would say though is that the USD20 plus was well worth it as the grounds are immaculately kept and as you can see from the photos a better spring day one could not have asked for. It was bright and sunny in the afternoon. Then it became slightly overcast as the evening approached. And as the twilight set in, I was disappointed that I was not there to watch it coruscate in the twilight.