Kyoto is a city of Temples and Shines, representing the two primary religions of Japan, Shinto and Buddhism. The Native Religion is Shinto, "the way of the gods". It's core concept is that deities, 'kami' preside over all things in nature, be they living, dead or inanimate. Buddhism arrived in Japan via China and Korea in the 6th Century AD. Buddhism has had an uneasy relationship with the Native Religion over the years but flowered again post WWII.OK, enough with the 'History Lesson', lets move on to Gold and Silver, two very special main buildings (or Pavilions in this case), of two very special Temples. Originally secular in their conception, the Kinkaku-ji: Golden Pavilion and the Ginkaku-ji: Silver Pavilion are now Buddhist Temples. The Golden Pavilion is just that, a pavilion covered in Gold Leaf, built originally as a Retirement villa. It's a beautiful backdrop to the garden and mirror pond.
The Silver Pavilion was intended to be just that as well, but never fully realized in Silver Leaf due to the Onin war. Although it does not shimmer in the light of day, it's a beautiful patina of time and is currently undergoing an extensive restoration. It too, is stunning in the context of a wooded garden, one that surrounds and holds you in spiritual peace. The pavilion was originally a mountain retreat (today, the city has absorbed it) built by the grandson of the Shogun who built the Golden Pavilion. Also intended as a retirement villa, both were converted to Zen Temples upon their deaths at their requests. A Chinese phoenix, a mythological bird of East Asia that reign over all other birds, crests each of the roof tops.
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