The Backpack Adventures

It was only last year when I last visited Ginkakuji ( 銀閣寺 ) . It was also my first time visiting it. You can actually read my diary entry HERE . Ginkakuji Revisited 2019 For those who are not familiar with Ginkakuji , it's located at 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture. This temple is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city.   Ginkakuji History Ginkakuji - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Ginkakuji was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa . The name Ginkakuji actually translates to Silver Pavilion as he originally planned to cover the building with silver leaf similar to the gold leaf-covered Kinkakuji which was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa's grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimasu. Sadly, Yoshimasa died even before the plan to cover Ginkakuji with silver leaf came to fruition.  Walking towards Ginkakuji from Imadegawa Street Ginkakuji Precinct Map Going in Ginkakuji's gate Ginkakuji 's ticket booth Ginkakuji Adm

Located at 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Tofukuji ( 東福寺 )   is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.  Tofukuji  ( 東福寺 ) Tofukuji History Tofukuji was founded in 1236 by the priest Enni . The temple grounds cover an area of 200,000 square meters. It is presently home to the Hojo (Abbot's Hall) the huge San-mon (temple gate) and 24 sub-temples.  Tofukuji Rokuhara Gate Tofukuji Sanmon Aside from these, you can also see the spectacular checkboard-patterned garden in the temple grounds. However, to view the garden, you have to pay the 400 yen entrance fee for the Hojo and its garden.  A closer view of Tofukuji Sanmon   Tofukuji Zen Hall A closer view of Tofukuji Zen Hall Tofukuji Kuri Another part of the temple ground worth checking out is the Tsutenkyo (Bridge to Heaven) and the Kaisando . It is worth noting that the Tsutenkyo was one of the filming locations of the Japan edition music video of Clean

Located at 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kodaiji ( 高台寺 ) is the largest sub-temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.  Kodaiji  ( 高台寺 ) Kodaiji History Formally called Jubuzan Kodaiji , the temple was established in 1606 by Nene (also called Kodai-in ) in memory of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was one of Japan's greatest historical figures. After Nene's death, she was also enshrined in the temple vicinity.  Nene/ Kodai-in Nene and Hideyoshi - one of the 9 Healing Buddha Statues of Higashiyama Kodaiji 's main hall was originally covered in lacquer and gold. It also features richly decorated interiors surrounded by picturesque Zen gardens. These gardens are presently designated as Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.  The temple also possesses several objects and structures designated as Important Cultural Assets like the portrait of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Main Gate, and the Spirit Hall.