phoenix

On the roof of Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, there is a phoenix, a mythical creature. The phoenix is a legendary bird from China and is a symbol of peace and prosperity. The phoenix installed on the roof of the Golden Pavilion serves as an ornament that further enhances the beauty and splendor of Kinkaku-ji, and it is also considered an important symbol in Buddhist architecture.

1994

Kinkaku-ji was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” This includes 17 temples and shrines in Kyoto, and Kinkaku-ji is recognized among them as a cultural property of global value. It’s also worth noting that, although it is listed as a World Heritage site, it is not designated a National Treasure due to its destruction by fire.

Kyōko Pond

In front of Kinkaku-ji lies a pond called Kyōko-chi, named because the pavilion’s beautiful figure is reflected on its surface. It is also said to be modeled after the Seven Treasures Pond of the Pure Land, making it one of the features that strongly conveys the Buddhist elements of Kinkaku-ji.

the year 1955

Kinkaku-ji was destroyed by arson in 1950, set by a student who was a novice monk at the temple. After about five years of reconstruction, it was restored in 1955. The rebuilt Kinkaku-ji faithfully reproduces its pre-fire appearance and has continued to be cherished as one of Kyoto’s most iconic tourist attractions.

three-story

Kinkaku-ji is a three-story building. The first floor, known as the “Shinden,” is used for the temple’s official ceremonies. The second floor, called the “Chōondō,” is built in the Zen style and features a design reminiscent of the shinden-zukuri residential style used by samurai and court nobles. The third and top floor, known as the “Kukkyōchō,” incorporates esoteric Buddhist elements and enshrines Amida Nyorai (Amitabha). In this way, Kinkaku-ji features distinct architectural styles on each floor, reflecting diverse cultural influences.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Rokuon-ji, known as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), was built as a villa by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a shogun of the Muromachi period. In 1397, Yoshimitsu received the site and constructed his villa there, which was then called names such as Kitayama-dono. The formal name, Rokuon-ji, was adopted after Yoshimitsu’s death, deriving from his posthumous Buddhist name, Rokuon-in-den.

Appeal to authority or power

The golden appearance—one of Kinkaku-ji’s greatest attractions—was adopted as part of a strategy by the ruler of the time to showcase his authority and power. Yoshimitsu harbored ambitions to strengthen his influence over the imperial court, and this flamboyant Golden Pavilion served as a symbol that displayed his power.

Galaxy Spring

Kinkaku-ji has a spring called Ginga-sen (“Milky Way Spring”). It is a water source located near Gekkasui, behind Ryūmon Falls at the very back of the temple grounds. The name conveys the meaning of “water as pure as the Milky Way,” and it was originally known as water used for preparing tea.

Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji)

The official name of Kinkaku-ji is Rokuon-ji. Kinkaku-ji is a temple located in Kyoto’s Kita Ward; its real name is Rokuon-ji and its temple mountain name is Kitayama. “Kinkaku” is also the common name for the Shariden, the main building within Rokuon-ji, and it was given this name because it is covered in gold leaf.

Rinzai school (of Zen Buddhism)

Kinkaku-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple, belonging to the Rinzai sect’s Shokoku-ji branch, whose head temple is Shokoku-ji in Kamigyo Ward. Rinzai is a school of Zen Buddhism that centers on zazen (seated meditation) as a practice to approach enlightenment. It was a form of Buddhism that was introduced to Japan in the early Kamakura period.