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Today we're in Northern Kyoto, visiting one of the most iconic temples,
Kinaku-ji, also known as Golden Pavilion.
That's right, which is not surprising really!
Because both of the top floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Also, the third floor was built in the style of the Chinese Zen hall,
and it features a Golden Phoenix!
Guys, you're going to love it!
There are several places in Kyoto that you should allocate your precious time,
one of them being Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji,
one of the most photogenic and Instagrammable places in the world
dating back as far as 14th century.
The grim, overcast grey sky and heavy raindrops falling on our umbrellas
hardly stopped us from seeing Kinkakuji temple.
After all, this is what you can expect if you’re visiting Kyoto during rainy season.
Both June and September will fill your days
and clothes with rain practically every single day!
Here are the tickets - a bit different to what I'm used to see :)
This is all in Japanese. Looks really pretty
but I'm not too sure what it says.
However, that sign is for Money (金)
so it's Kin-ko. That's gold, safe as well in Japanese.
Anyway, let's go in!
We have an hour left.
We had to delay it a bit because of the rain.
It seems quite bust still, despite the rain!
There are a lot of people that must have been waiting for the rain to stop as well.
As you can see, it's not going to get any quieter.
WARNING - THIS PLACE IS NEVER QUIET!
Golden Pavilion features 3 floors with
different architectural styles and houses Buddha ashes.
It’s a pure reflection of how extravagant and wealthy Japanese aristocratic families of Kyoto
were back in the day - which we could still feel
when strolling around Gion.
This beautiful Zen complex is completely covered in gold leaf
and overlooks a large pond which gives a mirror-like reflection
of the former retirement villa of a powerful Shogun from Yoshimitsu family.
And if that wasn’t enough,
there’s a little sister of Kinkakuji, called Ginkakuji or Silver Pavilion,
built years later by the grandson of the Shogun who built the Golden Pavilion.
Make sure you add this place to your own Japan bucket list!
We're just getting started!
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Wow, this looks spectacular! <3
It is very mesmerising.
Although Kinkakuji is good to visit all year round,
you can expect the best views during dry, sunny
autumn days when the leaves turn bright red.
As well in winter, when the surrounding area
is covered in snow white on the royal blue sky.
Kinkakuji survived Orion Wars and World War II
but that wasn’t the end.
It took the worst battering from being burned down
by a young schizophrenic monk in his early twenties.
And you thought you smoking weed was naughty!
Although sentenced to 7 years in prison, he still got away with it.
(DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!)
Well, this arsonist act was an inspiration to a novel
called ‘The Temple of The Golden Pavilion’.
Guys, despite being a very rainy day today,
There are a lot of people coming in and it's past 4 o'clock.
I think it shuts at five.
OPENING HOURS 9AM-5PM
This splendid structure is not just about gold, though.
Take a closer look at the pond and the four large stones in the centre.
It’s all about subtle details.
As you can imagine, the Japanese have placed them there for a reason,
as they represent 4 main islands of Japan,
that is Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.
So I've been allocated a job of an umbrella holder.
Not happy about it.
Well, someone has to film, right? :)
You're doing a good job, marvellous job!
I think it suits you.
Kevin, the professional umbrella holder.
That's my new job title!
How much does it pay?
Zero!
As you’re leaving, make sure to have a coin ready,
you’ll need it to throw it in the bowl
surrounded by a few Buddha statues.
Make a wish and take your chance.
If you score, your dream is bound to come true!
Oh... let me try. Your turn.
You're awful :)
Ok, it's not just you, I suppose.
You've got to get it in that hole.
Attempt number 2.
FINGERS CROSSED!
Still nothing.
Ok, let's go.
As you can tell, we weren't so lucky!
But you should try your luck too when you're around in Kyoto - you never know!
Someone's getting hungry!
Time to check out local street food stalls!
Stop 1
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Matcha green tea.
Not too bad :)
I need to try some.
OMG it's good!
You have to try it.
Up for some snacks? Don’t just leave yet.
There’s even a cosy tea house to stop by
for a frothy matcha green tea with Wagashi sweets.
Dango anyone?
All the way from Italy!
It looks like an olive but it's probably not an olive.
Nah, it's not an olive. Try it.
Surprise, surprise... What is it?
???
I don't think so, I think it's dango!
Yeah, it's very sticky.
DANGO- type of a Japanese sweet dumpling made with rice flour or mochiko.
Sumimasen, kore wa dango desu ka? (Excuse me, is this dango?)
Hai, dango desu (Yes, it's dango)
So it's not an olive!
Thank you! Is it good?
It's alright, not bad.
Do you want to try it?
I'll try some.
Which one is nicer, this one or that one?
Is that the matcha one?
Yes, it's matcha.
Very good.
ANYONE OUT THERE WITH A SWEET TOOTH?
Mm, quite sweet.
I like it.
Thank you.
Been to or planning your trip to Kyoto?
Did I just see you adding Kinkaku-ji
to your list of things to see in Kyoto?
I hope so! Let us know in the comments section below
what you’re planning to see first, when you arrive at Kyoto.
Thanks for watching guys!
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