Schoolgirls by the temple (Photo: Steve Leavett-Brown)

Kinkakuji

Kyoto's Golden Temple is beguiling and enigmatic

Steve Leavett-Brown   - 1 min read

Kinkakuji, more commonly known as the Golden Temple, is as beautiful as it is enigmatic. Originally constructed as a villa, so when you are strolling around its extensive grounds, there is a feel of a perfectly manicured country garden, rather than a place of enlightenment.

The Gold leaf veneer evokes an earlier time when Kyoto's wealthy and powerful lavished their patronage to higher and higher levels. Originally used in interior decoration to bring light and contrast to dark rooms, its use on the exterior gives the pavilion a beacon-like aura in the sunlight.

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Steve Leavett-Brown

Steve Leavett-Brown @steve.leavett.brown498

Steve is one of the three founding members of the 3 Blind Mice motorcycle touring club, along with one Scot and an Englishman –none were blind nor mice, but read my stories to find out more!