Kinkaku-ji

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Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion,  a sublime edifice, but only one building of many within the temple complex.  Subject of an arson attack by a psychotic monk and the title of Mishima's novel about the fire; well worth reading before you go as it gives a rather different perspective of the temple and its less than idyllic reality.

On the downside, even though tripods are banned (for reasons which will become obvious when you visit), it is rather like being on a conveyor belt with a brief pause for the obligatory bunny-eared pose with the Golden Pavilion in the background.  Even the gardens beyond are a continuous stream of tourists; worse than Versailles...well, almost.

 

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© Jeremy Harrison 2005-2020