Thursday, June 27, 2019
It was drizzling and raining intermittently and I self-appreciated myself for stretching yesterday with many sight-by covering many sight-seeings as it could have been tough to cover with the rain (The rain forecast worked). As we have had covered all the main attractions the city could offer (as per the plan), I had these reserved days for something light and a visit to Kyoto Handicraft centre. Somehow, we were quite tired of visiting numerous temples, we wanted to save Nara and Himeji castles for the next visit to Japan. It could have been done as these places are nearby, however, all these visits to the crowded places and the designs start to make resemblances to the other places. Also weather wasn’t the best it could have been. Though the temperature hovers around the manageable, its humid and make you tire easily.
Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺)
The temples sounds similar but Ginkakuji means the Silver pavilion and Kinkakuji is self explanatory – Golden one. It was indeed inspired by the Kinkakuji but lot of Gardens and walking routes are the differences to the former. Contrary to the name, the towers are not silver (I got to know only after the visit but was looking for one and convinced myself that its hidden or I didn’t see properly at that time). It derived its name not for the silver leaf coatings but for the time period it lived through. Also there is another theory that the moonlight reflected the roof that bright in the past. This temple was established in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth Muromachi Shogunate. Yoshimasa, following Kinkakuji Temple Kitayama den build by his grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, built villa Highashiyama den to spend his retired life. Ginkakuji is the common name and formally it was called Higashiyama Jishoji, taking after Yoshimasa’s posthumous title after his death. Higashiyama den is the place where Higashiyama culture formed mainly by Yoshimasa started, and the is the start of the modern lifestyle of the Japanese. Even now, the combination of Higashiyama culture and Zen culture can be seen here.
Kannon-Den
The main tower was originally called Kannon-den, after Sharden of Rokuuonji and Ruriden of Saihouji. It is two storied – the first floor, Shinku-den is build in Shoin style, a traditional Japanese residential architecture style, and the second floor Cho-onkaku is Chinese temple style having Katoumado in the panel wall and a Chinese sliding door. The bronze Phoenix on the roof facing east constantly guards Ginkakuji dedicated to Kannonboastsu, the Goddess of Mercy.
Togu-do
The Buddhist hall owned by Yoshimasa. The oldest Shoin style building existing with one story Irimoya style and a roof thatched with Japanese cypress. The hall has a panel floored area in the south part, two Buddhist alter rooms on one side and two room in the north. The 4.5 tatami mat room in the northeast side is called Dojinsai, and was the stage originating Highashiyama culture. It is also said to be the beginning of So-an style tearoom and 4.5 tatami mat rooms.
Kyoto handicraft centre
This was my most anticipated as I had in mind to get a Samurai sword (Katana looking, not Katana). I already have Longclas (Sword of John Snow) and thought this would be a great addition that too getting it directly from Japan. This place is a must for anyone who is travelling to Kyoto. This is spread across two buildings next to each other. I spent a lavish hour and half exploring a lot. I wished I collect as much as possible but I knew only what I can carry. Still, I settled down with a Samurai sword. It was elegant, beautiful and full of details. There were lot of disclaimers in bringing but I knew I should be able to get through customs after proper licensing process in Singapore. Yes, that was done. However, during Tokyo to Singapore departure, Airlines made me to wait till the police come and verify the parcels, exactly where I thought the process would be super simple. Despite the parcel had printed stickers saying ornamental sword, I had to open it multiple times, and finally police came and quickly validated that its just ornamental by checking with magnet. Except the wait, all went smooth. And it was totally worth. The price I paid was one-third or half, so, why wouldn’t I be. On top of that, I got the sword right from the country where its famous for. It IS an experience.
That evening, out of love, we again went to shoren-in temple. It was drizzling and made the whole place super epic. We stayed there till they closed and had the place almost for us. It was beyond I could put in words. I really cant wait to see that during winter.
0 Comments