The Golden Pavilion, the Geisha District, and thousands of Torii

The last days of our stay in Kyoto are approaching. Therefore, we are visiting a few beautiful spots in the city. They are well visited by tourists, but we can still enjoy the beauty of these special places.

At Kinkaku-ji ('Golden Pavilion', a Zen Buddhist temple), we are being carried along with a stream of people and stroll through the temple grounds. Similar to the temple complex in Nara, it is located on the outskirts of the city and borders on hills and mountains. It is strongly noticeable how the temple blends gently into the landscape. The harmony between man and nature is reflected by the well-tended shrubs and trees, blurring the boundaries between cultivated gardens and the surrounding wilderness. The golden temple plays an important role in cultural (art and science) and spiritual exchange (Zen Buddhism) with China. After a fire, the temple was reconstructed in the 1950s. The facade of the upper two floors is completely covered with gold leaf and unfolds a special play of light when the sun shines (reflection in the Kyokochi pond).

After our visit to the temple, we participate in a tea ceremony at a nearby teahouse. Robin even dares to wear a kimono. We drink matcha there according to strict rules of behavior: bowing at least twice, thanking and apologizing before drinking the tea, then turning the cup twice clockwise... and only putting it down after loudly slurping the last sip from the cup... oh yes, and first the sweets, then the tea!

In the Geisha district, Gion, we can't see any Geishas, but we can enjoy a beautiful sunset and visit many souvenir shops. Maybe we have found something for our loved ones in Germany...?

Finally, at the end of our vacation, we walk (Salia in her beloved kimono) through thousands of gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine is considered a place of personal financial success, and each gate was funded by a Japanese person who prayed at this shrine and was subsequently successful - so they say.