As I mentioned yesterday, my first day in Kyoto was fraught with bad timing and torrential downpours. But I was able to visit the breathtaking Ginkaku-ji Temple. This temple is known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion or by its more formal name, Temple of Shining Mercy. However, as you can see from the pictures, there is no silver anywhere. The main kannon house, started in the late 15th century, was originally intended to be covered in silver foil, but this plan never materialized. The nickname stuck anyway. But the kannon house was the least interesting part of this site to me. It sits in the middle of one of the most remarkable gardens I’ve ever seen. Between the precisely raked sand, the lush mosses and the majestic trees, it’s hard to describe the tranquility this place embodies. Being there in the rain added another level of atmosphere to the place, making everything tangibly green. The gardens extend above the temple site onto a hillside, from the top of which you can see the whole city of Kyoto.

The next day, I was able to visit other temples in the Kyoto area. Check back tomorrow for my adventures seeing the torii in Inari.

Title quote: Haruki Murakami, Dance Dance Dance