A Journey to the Splendid Kinkaku-ji

This morning, I set off from Osaka with great anticipation, heading to Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji. Taking the city bus No. 205, I enjoyed the scenery outside the window as the urban landscape gradually transformed into serene natural surroundings, making me feel the spiritual journey ahead. Upon arriving at Kinkaku-ji, I was amazed by the sight before me. Situated by the Mirror Pond, the three-story pavilion of Kinkaku-ji shone brilliantly in the sunlight, resembling a dreamy palace. The golden phoenix atop the temple symbolizes good fortune, adding to the temple's grandeur. I strolled along the paths within the temple, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Each corner revealed a different view, with the rustic charm of Sekkatei and the gentle flow of Ryumon Falls complementing each other. Every part of this place exudes a rich history, as if telling stories of the past. While visiting the Shariden, I marveled at its architectural style. Each of the three floors of Kinkaku-ji has its own unique features: the ground floor continues the style of the Heian period, the second floor showcases the elegance of the Kamakura period, and the third floor displays the exquisite design of the Tang Dynasty in China. This design makes the entire temple harmonious despite its splendor. I made a special trip to the White Snake Mound, where the pond never dries up even during droughts, symbolizing abundance. The ancient trees surrounding the pond add a mysterious atmosphere, making me want to sit quietly and feel the spirit of this land. At the exit of Kinkaku-ji, I found a small shop selling sweet and savory dango. The chewy texture paired with soy sauce tempted me to buy a few skewers, making for a sweet ending to this journey. As I took the bus back to Osaka, my heart was filled with wonderful memories of Kinkaku-ji. This splendid temple not only allowed me to appreciate the charm of ancient Japanese culture but also provided a moment of peace and inspiration in my busy life. This journey was undoubtedly a spiritual cleansing, and I look forward to visiting this golden land again.