Sadly, my time here is coming to an end… so for my last weekend in Japan, I went to Kyoto on Saturday and then an onsen (hot springs) on Sunday-Monday.
In Kyoto, I went to the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), the Nijojo and some other temples. The Kinkakuji is probably one of more famous structures in Japan. It is a gold-leaf covered temple which enshrines a fragment of bone from the Buddha. There is a phoenix at the top of the pavilion which is said to appear during times of just rule.
In Kyoto, I went to the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), the Nijojo and some other temples. The Kinkakuji is probably one of more famous structures in Japan. It is a gold-leaf covered temple which enshrines a fragment of bone from the Buddha. There is a phoenix at the top of the pavilion which is said to appear during times of just rule.
The Ginkakuji is just like the Kinkakuji… but not as impressive. Originally, it
was supposed to be covered in silver (hence “Gin”) but that plan was abandoned due to financial difficulties of one of the previous rulers. The Nijojo is famous for its “nightingale floor” which produces a noise similar to a nightingale’s song whenever you step on the floor. The origin
al purpose of the nightingale floor was to warn that in intruder was approaching. And while this is a really smart idea, I think the noise would get annoying after a while…Anyway, Sunday… went to an onsen resort up in the mountains. It was gorgeous! The place itself was a mix between modern Asian art and tradition Japanese culture. Everything was beautiful. It was so completely and totally relaxing. I took a lot of showers, soaked in hot waters, drank wine and had a really great time… it was amazing We even had a private onsen in our room that was out on the porch with a clear view to the moon.
