August 25, 2025
Day 2 in Kyoto, Japan - We decided to do another private van tour to cover a lot of ground in Kyoto.
Our first stop was the Tenryu - Ji Temple ( Temple of the Heavenly Dragon) and grounds. Built in 1339 and is the head temple of the RInzai Zen Buddhist, which are still active here today. I went into the temple, but no photos were allowed, so in lieu of drawing the CLOUD DRAGON painted on the ceiling, I found this photo on a sign post. The grounds and zen gardens are serene.
Next was the towering bamboo grove in Arashiyama where we ran into Jimbo & Anna.
L to R above- Jimbo, Anna, Me, Bosco, Sherrie, Bob & Sarah.
Our Third stop was the Golden Palace or Kinkakuji Temple. Built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist Temple. The original building a blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture was destroyed in 1950 by arson of a deranged monk and was rebuilt in 1955. The top two floors covered in gold leaf symbolize purity and enlightenment. Maybe I need enlightenment on the dangers of Caterpillars?
