You see it in Travel books, TV programs, Agencies and even in Anime. You can even just mention Golden Pavilion in English to a taxi driver or anyone in Kyoto and they will most likely know what your talking about, that is because Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion has become one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, or actually the most famous attraction. I was actually indecisive into whether or not to include this into Project Holo, that it why I decided to do the Fushimi Shrine first. The reason being is that firstly the complex grounds at Fushimi is vast compared to Kinkaku-ji which gives you more freedom of space or moving around without getting in the way of people, and Secondly possible security given that Kinkaku-ji is the most visited attraction, officials might be suspicious of a person carrying a big cardboard box. Anyway we went ahead, took our chances and heck I dont know why I got worked up, in the end all 3 of us entered the complex without any problem, big sigh of relief.

Its true, the magnificent Golden Pavilion tucked away in a beautiful Japanese stroll garden where the sun shines, creating a shimmering golden reflection on the aptly named Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond) has really become the reason for visitors especially photographers to come and adore that beautiful experience. We tried to take our time but the downside of this trip was that it was crowded, It seemed like you were given a time limit before being ushered by some sort of traffic control policeman. With time at its limit we only managed a few quick shots and oh boy what an experience, Ive never been that nervous or possibly embarrassed compared to all the other places I done with Holo. It felt like paparazzi, once I positioned myself and opened Holo the amount of photo’s being taken by not only Wibi but all the other folks around him was incredible, at least we were something of a topic of conversation for them to remember which is fine by me its not everyday the locals encounter something out of the blue haha, Im sure Holo enjoyed her share of fame too!

I forgot to mention, we went early morning just after its opening time of 9am and yet it was already crowded. Anyway It was definitely an experience we will always remember, To come to Kyoto and not see it due to fear of queues and crowds would be a tragedy. There might not be as many pictures of Holo this time but the saying goes “a picture says a thousand words”. Today Holo encountered a golden pavilion and thus finishes our quest of Project Holo in the ancient capital of Kyoto I hope you enjoyed the choice we made and the pictures – head over here for more in-depth information about the project for those new here.

Next time a trip to another ancient capital of Japan where Deers surrounds the place and is housed by a big Buddha ~

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺 lit. Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose 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. During the cuorse of its history however, the Temple has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during 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.