Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji literally means "the Temple of the Golden Pavilion". It was built by the Shogun Yoshimitsu in 1358 as his retirement house and was converted into a temple upon his death. 

It is a World Heritage site

The Somon Gate

The Golden Pavilion is a three-storey building

The Mirror Pond

The top two storeys are covered by pure gold leaf

The Hojo

Fudo-do

Ice cream break

Zen Garden

This is the most famous of all the Zen gardens. It is claimed to be the highest expression of Zen art and teachings and perhaps the single greatest masterpiece of Japanese culture. It is thought to be built together with this temple in 1540.

The garden consists of  15 rocks of different sizes resting on a plot of  white gravel measuring 98 x 32 feet.

When looking at the garden from any angle (except from above) only 14 rocks are visible.

It is not known when or who laid this garden

But this garden will remain today as it was yesterday and tomorrow it will be as it is today

Tried looking from another angle

Still unable to find the 15th rock

In silent contemplation

Where is the 15th rock?

Ryoanji

This World Heritage site is famous for its Zen garden. It was founded by the Shoguns in 1450.

Meditation Hall

Tsukubai

The four characters 五, 隹, 止 and 矢 have no meaning unless read together with the 口 in the centre to become 吾, 唯, 足, 知. "I learn only to be contented"

Kyoyochi pond

The San Mon Gate

New Miyako Hotel

Our hotel in Kyoto

We managed to get connecting rooms

Supper at Edogawa Restaurant in Kyoto Station

We then had our supper at this restaurant.

Aeon Mall Kyoto

After going back to our hotel we went to Aeon Mall which just next to our hotel.

Saga Arashiyama Station

We walked to the station to take the direct train (Sagano Line) back to central Kyoto. We were surprised that no one stays back in Arashiyama after dark. 

It was only 7.30 pm and the streets were empty

Buying the train tickets

The quiet station

Kimono Forest

It is located inside the Arashiyama Station.

The forest consists of 600 two-meter tall pillars covered by different styles of traditional Kyo-yuzen kimono

Pond of the Dragon