Golden Pavilion

The Rokuon-ji Temple/Gardens (Golden Pavilion)

Click on image for larger view

Donna Kasprowicz, Portola Valley Middle School

Click on image for larger view In the 1930s, Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun of Ashikaga, began building a villa for his retirement. Using very precise calculations for the buildings and grounds, every effort was pursued in order for Yoshimitsu to enjoy a peaceful retirement in a serene, peaceful environment.

Click on image for larger view One of the main buildings was called Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The elegant three-story building consists of three different types of architecture. The first floor reflects the palace style (Shinden-zukuri), the second floor reflects the samurai- house style(Buke-zukuri), and the top floor reveals the Zen-temple style (Karayo).

Click on image for larger view The entire estate later became known as the Zen temple Rokuonji when Yoshimitsu bequeathed his estate to Muso Kokushi, the first abbot. In 1950, an over-zealous young monk burned the building down in hopes that his sense of aesthetics would reach perfection. In 1955, the pavilion was replicated; then it was renovated and recovered with five layers of gold leaf in 1987. Centered on the shingle roof is a golden Chinese phoenix.

Click on image for larger view The Golden Pavilion sits at the edge of a large pond called Kagamiike (Mirror pond). On a clear, sunny day, the tranquil pond provides a shimmering reflection of the pavilion. As you continue your walk and climb a few steps, you face another small pond (An-min-taku). There is a small island in the pond that contains a small stone pagoda, Hakuja-ni tsuka (the mound in memory of the white snake). There are tea houses and other shrines within the park-like setting.

Click on image for larger view	In the 1930s, Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun of Ashikaga, began building a villa for his retirement. Using very precise calculations for the buildings and grounds, every effort was pursued in order for Yoshimitsu to enjoy a peaceful retirement in a serene, peaceful environment.
Click on image for larger view	One of the main buildings was called Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The elegant three-story building consists of three different types of architecture. The first floor reflects the palace style (Shinden-zukuri), the second floor reflects the samurai- house style(Buke-zukuri), and the top floor reveals the Zen-temple style (Karayo).
Click on image for larger view	The entire estate later became known as the Zen temple Rokuonji when Yoshimitsu bequeathed his estate to Muso Kokushi, the first abbot. In 1950, an over-zealous young monk burned the building down in hopes that his sense of aesthetics would reach perfection. In 1955, the pavilion was replicated; then it was renovated and recovered with five layers of gold leaf in 1987. Centered on the shingle roof is a golden Chinese phoenix.
Click on image for larger view	The Golden Pavilion sits at the edge of a large pond called Kagamiike (Mirror pond). On a clear, sunny day, the tranquil pond provides a shimmering reflection of the pavilion. As you continue your walk and climb a few steps, you face another small pond (An-min-taku). There is a small island in the pond that contains a small stone pagoda, Hakuja-ni tsuka (the mound in memory of the white snake). There are tea houses and other shrines within the park-like setting.