By Pamela Aguirre Leonetti
Two of the things we like the most about Japan are its millenary culture and the value they give to beliefs and architecture, that’s why we visited four of its typical temples, two in Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji or Golden temple, and Yasaka; and two in Tokyo: Sens?-ji, and Meiji, and we tell you everything you must know about them.
Kinkaku-ji, officially known as Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple declared a World Heritage Site in 1994. Built in 1397 and rebuilt after being burnt down during the ?nin War, the Golden temple still maintains all the details of its original architecture and it is full of an energy that moves.
The Golden Pavilion, its main part, is a three-storey building and each storey represents a different architectural style: shinden, samurai, and zen. Besides, the top two stories are covered with pure gold leaf. It is said that both the pavilion and the garden and water surrounding it represent the pure land of Buddha in this world. Maybe because of that, the place is perfect to meditate and dialogue with one’s inner self and with nature.
Yasaka, on its hand, is Shinto shrine, a religion that adores Heaven and Earth’s kindness, which was built in 656 in the Gion District of Kyoto. The place has several buildings, gates, a main hall, and an area specially prepared for people to wash their hands and purify their souls before entering.
Sens?-ji, on its part, is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. It is located in Asakusa neighborhood, and it is dedicated to Kannon, a bodhisattva associated to the value of compassion. The legend says that the temple was built in the VII century when two brothers found there a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River.
Although many of its rooms were destroyed during World War II, they were then rebuilt and even today some of its original parts are preserved. It mystic invites to perform different types of rituals: from cleaning the soul with the smoke of an incense burner, to making wishes or meditating.
Last but not least, another important temple in Tokyo is the Meiji shrine, which is known for having the biggest Tori (wooden arch) of the My?jin style in Japan, with 12 meters high. The place is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Sh?ken, and was built in 1915 in which had previously been an iris garden.
So now you know, if some day you have the chance of travelling to Japan, don’t miss these four temples. Their energy and history will surprise you.
Enjoy it!
