Brilliant Kyoto Temples

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion Temple

“…Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms
Under the April sky
As far as you can see,
Like mists or clouds
Blooming fragrantly.
Let us go! Let us go!
Let us go to see them.”
– Translated from Japanese traditional song “Sakura” (Cherry Blossoms)

As cherry blooms emerge, blossoming their spring recital, I am yearning for one of my favorite cities in the world: Kyoto.

Kyoto, formerly the imperial capital city of Japan, is located in the central part of Honshu Island. Simply, Kyoto means “capital city.” It remained Japan’s capital until the government transferred to Edo (today it is known as Tokyo) in 1868.

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion Temple

Kyoto is full of ancient Japanese treasures, and I am thankful for the insistence of Henry L. Stimson, U.S. Secretary of War during World War II, who protected Kyoto from bombings. Kyoto was considered a target of atomic bombs due to its focused populations of intellectuals. But because of Mr. Stimson’s actions one can still witness some of Japan’s most intelligent cultural examples, which reflect the beauty of the city’s heritage.

During my repeated visits, I have experienced Kyoto both in both high humidity and mildly lush conditions. It is the typical humid Kyoto weather that cultivated the beautiful results we see today in the felt-like blankets of moss. Along with Kyoto’s beautiful architecture, I mostly favor its gardens and fragile temples because of the lovely, organic fanfare.

 
A railing and rain catching ornamentation fro, Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion

Featuring a poetically combed sand and rock garden, Ginkaku-ji (“Temple of the Silver Pavilion”) is surrounded with lush moss grounds and centuries-old maple and pine trees. Passing through its garden paths made me forget the present, meditate, and breathe inside the gentle sweep of deep green moss blossoms.

Some of the middle portions of images come from Kinkaku-ji (“Golden Pavilion Temple”). Ever since I read Temple of the Golden Pavilion written by Yukio Mishima, I composed my own images of this temple; although, I glorified it by making it actually golden. When I finally visited, my golden imagination was nothing in comparison to reality. I am still amazed and in love with its subtle sensuality of the temple’s proportions. Now, I can walk into a golden space without feeling kitschy or garish after witnessing the gracefulness of the Golden Pavilion.

 
The rear of Kiyomizu-dera; Interior walls of Ginkaku-ji

The last portions of images I took from the Kiyomizu-dera temple site. I have witnessed the temple during two weather conditions. During one particularly wet, murky, and rainy visit, I noticed the darkness of the wooden structures, the rain soaking and accentuating their masculinity deeper. On a warm, lush, and sunny day, I noticed the surroundings much more: clouds of forest trees floating the heavy, masculine temple into the heavens.

Please enjoy the images, and look for Kyoto in the budding trees this spring.

All photos by D.B. Kim.