“On Golden Pond”

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is probably the most famous temple in Kyoto, and one of the most popular buildings in Japan. A spectacular building and World Heritage site. Breathtaking. Bright gold, it sits idly on an island in the middle of a lake, surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens. Even the vending machines here sell disposable cameras; the Golden Pavilion crying out to be photographed. The entry fee is just ¥400; the ticket is made from beautiful paper, and written with expert calligraphy. The path snakes its way through the belfry, passes the abbot’s chamber, the pond, the Golden Pavilion, Galaxy Spring, the Sekka-tei Tea House; all the while, shrouded by the mysterious mountains that make up the backdrop. It is a wonderful route and takes me about twenty minutes at an unhurried pace. Along the way, little wooden shacks selling souvenirs lure in tourists. A great temple, and a reason alone to take the trip to Kyoto.