October 9, 2026 ~ Kyoto
My first trip to Japan was back in 2000 and the first city we stayed in was Kyoto. My strongest memory of that city was the magnificent Golden Pavilion. I was wondering if a revisit would live up to my expectations. And not for one moment did it disappoint me!
This pavilion was built as Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retreat in 1397. It became a Zen Buddhist temple after his death. Sadly, the original was set on fire by a monk in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955.
Yes, that is real gold! Its upper two floors are covered in genuine gold leaf, while the ground floor features natural wood and white plaster. A golden phoenix, a symbol of good fortune, sits proudly on the roof.
The Pavilion itself is three floors, with each floor being a different architectural style. The lowest floor reflects aristocratic palace architecture, the middle floor the style of samurai residences, and the top floor Chinese Zen temple design.
Its official name is actually Rokuon-ji. The famous golden building gave the temple its better-known nickname, Kinkaku-ji—“Temple of the Golden Pavilion.” It is also part of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The grounds are equally beautiful. I can remember watching gardeners cleaning an entire tree, leaf by leaf years ago. I don’t know it it gets that extreme care to this day or not, but it is lovely to see.
We stopped for a ramen noodle lunch sitting on tatami mats.
Haha, I’m feeling my age getting up from the floor…
Tenryu-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. It became one of Kyoto’s leading Zen temples and is now part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage designation. Although eight major fires repeatedly destroyed its buildings, the historic pond garden retained its original character.
We spent our time in the gardens. The fall colors were just starting to appear and I also captured a few flowers still in bloom.
Did you know that bamboo is not actually a tree, even though they can grow an astonishing 3 feet in a single day and reach 60-70 feet tall! They instead belong to the grass family. They are one of the fastest growing plants in the world.
Interestingly, bamboo stalks reach their full height remarkably quickly, often within just a few months. Unlike trees, they don’t continue growing taller year after year.
At the end of the path through the bamboo grove, we came to the Ohkouchi Sansou Garden. Jan and Mark wanted to climb the hill to see more of the area and take in the views. I needed a break, and Tim’s gout had him hobbling around today so we found a comfortable rock in the shade to wait. We heard very favorable comments about how beautiful the hike was, so if you are up for it, it comes recommended.
“Okochi Sanso Garden was the private retreat of Japanese samurai-film star Denjirō Ōkōchi, who spent 30 years lovingly creating its hillside landscape. Tucked beyond Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, its winding paths lead past mossy gardens, traditional buildings and scenic viewpoints.”
Jan shared this picture from their walk and it looks so nice!
When leaving this area we passed by a cemetery. I’ve always been drawn to observing the different styles and burial traditions of other cultures.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Togetsukyo Bridge, meaning “Moon Crossing Bridge,” is one of Arashiyama’s most iconic landmarks, spanning the Katsura River against a beautiful backdrop of forested mountains. Its poetic name dates back to the 13th century, when Emperor Kameyama remarked that the moon appeared to be crossing the bridge.
It was a long but lovely day.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to return to Kyoto after twenty six years and found a favorite site as beautiful as I had remembered. Sometimes that is not the case, but today not only did it live up to my hopes and dreams, but it surpassed them. Feeling a sense of awe and appreciation this evening at being able to relive a special memory.
And of course I’m thankful for the many friends (old and new) who follow along with us on our travel adventures. Many of you we have met on far off trips, and some we only know through your lovely comments and sharing. Either way, we appreciate your kindness. ❤️
