Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Kyoto covered in gold leaf, a symbol of Japanese culture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About this subject

Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is located in Kyoto, Japan. It was built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who after his death turned it into a Zen temple of the Rinzai school. The pavilion is entirely covered in pure gold leaf, enveloping a three-story structure, each floor representing a different architectural style: the first is Shinden style (palace), the second is Bukke style (samurai), and the third is Zen style. The roof is adorned with a golden phoenix. The temple was burned down in 1950 by a fanatic monk, an event that inspired Yukio Mishima's novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion'. Reconstruction was completed in 1955, faithful to the original. Kinkaku-ji has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The surrounding garden, with the mirror pond Kyōko-chi, is designed to reflect the pavilion, creating a symbolic landscape of the Buddhist paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story behind the 1950 fire at Kinkaku-ji?

In 1950, a novice monk named Hayashi Yoken set the pavilion on fire due to his obsession with its beauty. The incident inspired Yukio Mishima's novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion'. The temple was reconstructed in 1955.

Why is Kinkaku-ji golden?

The gold leaf covers the pavilion to symbolize Buddhist purity and enlightenment, as well as reflecting sunlight to create a sublime effect. Gold also represented the power of Shogun Yoshimitsu.

Is Kinkaku-ji a World Heritage Site?

Yes, since 1994 it has been part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.