Long before coming to Japan I had placed Kyoto and Nara was on my to-do list. But then covid hit and I found myself, like much of the rest of humanity, a prisoner in my own home.
Coupled with this was the fact that Japan had some strict lockdown rules. And though they were not as draconian as other places, the last two years really made it feel that way. So, as soon as travel restrictions eased, my friend and I found our way to Kyoto and Nara. Among the places to go is of course The Temple of the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji, as the Japanese call it. It is in Kyoto.
And yes, it is made out of pure gold. I find it remarkable that a structure from 1397 still stands. Not in its original form mind you. It has undergone refurbishments over the centuries, the last of them being in the 1950s following a fire that was allegedly set by a rookie monk.
I am not certain if I should have been disappointed that I could only look at it from a distance seeing that it is surrounded by a mote or something like that. But I guess after fires and the sort they have to take much care of this national and might I daresay international treasure.
I will not bore you with the historical details of this place because it is long and textured. What I would say though is that the USD20 plus was well worth it as the grounds are immaculately kept and as you can see from the photos a better spring day one could not have asked for. It was bright and sunny in the afternoon. Then it became slightly overcast as the evening approached. And as the twilight set in, I was disappointed that I was not there to watch it coruscate in the twilight.
The structure is like a masterpiece indeed.
I went there three years ago and whenever I see pictures of it, I smile...but there are bitter-sweet memories: I'd just returned from a one-month long holiday in the UK and went to Osaka (long flight); My husband traveled directly from the Philippines to meet me in Osaka (short flight). I was exhausted, from long flights and all. There's so much to see in Japan, and you need full energy, which I did not have...
When I got to the temple and saw the huge crowd I pouted all day. When I'm exhausted I belong in a cave away from civilization...my husband was not happy with my "sour face" and said I was ruining his photos and experience...haha!
I guess I'd have enjoyed the visit under different circumstances... but despite me not being able to see beauty in anything when I'm exhausted (or hungry), I thought the structure was spectacular and got photos from all angles...just no picture of me at the location to show.Hello @nicholasrichards,
BTW, I saw this from one of your other posts
I have been reminiscing about Jamaica too, a lot lately! It's always nice to see another yardie on the blockchain. I saw that @dmilliz (hail up👋) introduced you...I met him here too:))) #ILOVEJAPAN and Taiwanese cuisine is #DeliciousBeyondBelief and the country too:)))
Hey , interestingly Nick introduced me to steem in 2017 and then I reintroduced him to HIVE recently. Interesting cycle.
Hey, at least you got to see it in person. I still have not seen it. The only time I went to Kyoto was for a meeting and we only had one day, after the meeting we planned to go to see Kyoto but everything was closed so we did the next best thing…. Izakaya. And off on the bullet train we went the next day. Hmmmm it is time to gyalifest ( manifest ) Japan travels as it is cheaper than international travel ….. for once.
Hiya,
I need to go back to Osaka. We explored a lot because Cameron was eager to speak his Japanese, I spent the day with the deers in Nara. I learned that deers do hold grudges. There were two deers fighting in the street (I caught it on camera) and a crowd gathered...I don't know what happened if a man tried to part the fight, but at the end of the fight, one of the deers hunted down a man and would not stop bucking him up the backside 🤣... I've been skeptical about deers ever since.
Strange heh! That he started on steemit... his face looks so familiar.🤣
The bowing deers of Nara, haven’t seen those either, a trip around Japan is needed. I know I would not be the one parting that deer fight lol. Animal instincts, lol I’d love to see that video.
Yeah, trust me though, things have changed a lot since steemit days. I don’t blame anyone for leaving 2017-2018, it was really hard to earn unless you knew people or entered contest.now the thing really balanced and anyone can earn as long as heur making quality.
Hi Nick The Temple of the Golden Pavilion looks stunning. I guess they do need to protect it, the reflections in the water though make for great pictures. I am guessing now it is easier to travel again, that you will be venturing all over the place in Japan!
Definitely, but there are still some travel restrictions. Thanks for stopping by man. BTW, what other kind of music do you listen to?
oh right we are not totally restriction free in the UK.
hehe I love music and believe it or not just posted some punk for #ttt . Anything really although I am not a country fan.
Hi Nick. That's a really pretty place, I don't know much about Japan so I'll check it out on the interwebs, but why did you look so disenchanted in the photos?
It has many cultural sites. Regarding my look. I must admit that I hate taking pictures. This is way out of my comfort zone. My struggles continue. LOL.
Ok I understand and can respect that. I couldn't work out if it was a disappointment to be there, that's why I asked. If it's any consolation, I'm not a fan of them myself and I'm sure there are many others on Hive that share the same sentiment.
Thank you for sharing that gleaming historical site with us. Have a good day.
arigato.
You know all now I don’t see that temple in a real life…. Is a blessing that Nick, bucket list tik off.
@dmilliz I think now when there are fewer travelers in Osaka would be a great time to go. I'm just browsing my photos from that day and laughing at my miserable face...I was happier at the Kohfukuji Temple because the grounds didn't feel so crowded, or I was better able to tune the crowds out.🤣
You are right, no tourist in Japan. It's kinda hard to believe that. It's like we are in the twilight zone to rahtid. For some reason I always end up at the beaches during breaks.... I guess that is me missing yaaad.
I know what you mean about it being like the twilight zone. That's how I felt in the Philippines...A busy tourist area that was developing rapidly every time you closes your eyes became a ghost town overnight. Ah, bwoy!!
I feel you on the beaches though.
Things dread!!!
Now is the best time. I think Japan will open soon so the deluge will start again.
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Kinkakuji is really a masterpiece! Photos will look like a painting because of its overall ambience! I've been there before but there were a lot of tourists at that time, I couldn't enjoy the solemn place. It was pre-covid so it was expected.
When I could go back to Kyoto, I would definitely go back to Kinkakuji.
Thanks for stopping by. Now would be a great time to go. There are not a lot of tourists there so it is awesome.
Yeah I thought so too, but I live far away from Kyoto now 🙁
Next time!
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