11/4 - Kinkaku-ji - the Golden Pavilion

The bus arrived and we were heading north from Arashiyama [嵐山] to Kinkaku-ji [金閣寺].  We were outside the regular Kyoto City Bus zone, so we had to pay the equivalent of an AddFare when we reached the bus exchange.  We weren't sure which bus we had to take and actually were able to ask a local.  Except I really had to think about what number she said to me.

The bus ride to Kinkaku-ji was quiet as we weaved through a quiet hillside residential area, but once we passed by a temple along the route, the bus was full.  We did, however, pass by a university with a familiar name - Ritsumeikan.  Ritsumeikan University is actually a sister university to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.  So it was neat to pass by the campus.  Unfortunately, I didn't have time to take a shot of anything. 

Kinkaku-ji was buzzing with tourists when we arrived.  We went in and were soon greeted by the gleaming facade of the Golden Pavilion.  Everyone was simply snap happy at the side of pond directly across from the Pavilion.  The building is simply stunning.  I think the building makes the picture more than the photographer in this case.  Interestingly, the building's three stories are built in different Japanese architectural styles.  Plus, only the top two floors are coated with gold leaf.  The bottom floor is just wood.  However, the wood does not take away from how awe-inspiring this Pavilion is.  If you are ever in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji is a must-see.

We quickly toured through the rest of the grounds and were back out to the temple entrance.  We weren't sure where the bus stop was and we had to ask for directions again.  N was delighted to be using her Japanese and understanding people. We found the bus stop easily along with a few other tourists.

The ensuing bus ride back to Kyoto Station was truly a milk run and it was a busy milk run.  The bus took one of the main north-south roads in the west side of town.  I think it took almost an hour to get back to Kyoto Station.  When we were lucky enough to have a seat, I was exhausted and found my head "fishing" as I started to doze off a little.  It didn't help that it was really hot and muggy on the bus.  I literally had to de-layer and hold my many layers.