[Kyoto 0007FH] The classic Kyoto tour from Osaka to Kinkakuji Temple and Arashiyama

An easy-to-understand introduction to the history and highlights of the World Heritage Site, the shining golden Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Kinkakuji Temple is a Rinzai sect temple located near Mount Daimonji in Kita Ward, Kyoto City.

The name Kinkakuji is a common name and its official name is Rokuonji (pronounced "Rokuonji"); there is no difference between Kinkakuji and Rokuonji.



It is famous for its golden building surrounded by a pond, and its snow-covered appearance in winter has become a seasonal feature of Kyoto.

I'm sure many of you have seen this impressive landscape on television or elsewhere.



This golden building is called "Shariden" and it is said that the nickname "Kinkaku-ji" became established because of its golden color.

In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Cultural Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

The Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the Oi River upstream and the Katsura River downstream, was named by Emperor Kameyama during the Heian period. Today, it has become a symbol of Arashiyama, often seen on television and in magazines. With Arashiyama as a backdrop, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, and snowy winter scenery.

The head temple of the Tenryuji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. It was founded in 1339 (2nd year of the Ryakuo era) by Ashikaga Takauji, who appointed Muso Kokushi as the founder, to console the spirit of Emperor Godaigo. During the Muromachi period, it was ranked first among the Five Mountains of Kyoto.

Since its construction, the temple has suffered eight major fires and no longer retains the same grandeur it once had.

The current halls were rebuilt in the Meiji period.

A seated statue of Shaka Nyorai from the Fujiwara period is enshrined in the hojo.

The Tahoden Hall was built in imitation of the Shishinden Hall of the Yoshino Court.



The Sogenchi Garden, which retains its original form, is a stroll-style garden with a pond that makes use of the backdrop of Kameyama and Arashiyama, and is said to have been designed by Muso Kokushi.

It was the first place in Japan to be designated as a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty, and in December 1994 it was registered as a World Heritage Site under the World Heritage Convention as one of the "Cultural Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

This Tendai sect temple has its gates at the foot of Mt. Ogurayama. It is called Nison-in because it enshrines Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai (Important Cultural Property) as its principal images. It was founded during the Jowa era (834-848) at the request of Emperor Saga. The approach leading from the main gate is wide, and the autumn leaves, nicknamed "Autumn Leaves Baba," are a spectacular sight. The garden in front of the main hall is known as the Garden of the Dragon God, and Kuzuryu Benzaiten is enshrined there. The grounds are vast, with temple buildings dotted all the way to the foot of the mountain, and at the back is a place said to be the site of Fujiwara Teika's Shiguretei.