Kinkaku-ji

뚜래블러

Surrounded by gold, it is perhaps the most famous attraction in Kyoto. As the name suggests, the temple, surrounded by gold, is impressive. The building made of gold that sits in the middle of a pond surrounded by green trees has a cool reflection on the water.... but to be honest, personally, it was just as I had seen in photos, nothing more, nothing less. However, the scenery of Kinkaku-ji with snow was so splendid. Although the snow had melted a bit by the time I arrived, the golden building stood out more with the snow, and the scenery felt more abundant. It's unique that each floor was built in a different architectural style. Inside the building, it is said to enshrine the Buddha's sarira. Unfortunately, the interior is not open to the public. There are stories about whether this is really gold or not. The building is not made of real gold but lacquered and then gilded. In 2003, when Kinkaku-ji was refurbished, about 20kg of gold leaf was used, and the construction cost was over 700 million. The gilding work is reportedly ongoing annually, funded by the taxes of the citizens of Kyoto. If you're not particularly interested in tourist sights, this might not be a must-visit. However, for those who believe it's essential to visit landmarks in each area, Kinkaku-ji is a true highlight of Kyoto not to be missed. Perhaps because of the snowy scenery or because I had no expectations, my visit to Kinkaku-ji was not too bad.