A Shogun’s Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, Japan

Imagine you've got all the power and wealth in the world. What's the first thing you'd do? Well, how about building yourself a lakeside retreat covered in pure gold? Believe it or not, that's exactly what one shogun (“barbarian subduing general”) of Japan did when he retired in the year 1399. His name was Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. He became shogun when he was 10 years old and retired from this position as Japan’s military ruler when he was 37. After his retirement, he decided to move to the Kitayama district of Kyoto where he constructed a glamorous retirement retreat called the Kinkaku-ji or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion.

Why was this retreat called the “Golden” Pavilion? The Golden Pavilion is a three-storied structure situated on an artificial lake overlooking peaceful gardens and it is covered in brilliant and pure gold leaf on both its exterior and its interior. It is a three-storied monument, with each floor of the building having a different plan and function. In this video, we explore the Golden Pavilion, its history, and its original function when it was constructed in the 14th century. The original structure was destroyed by arson in the 1950s, but what stands in its place today is a near-perfect replica of the original. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan, and definitely a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list when you visit Kyoto, Japan!

CHAPTERS
00:06 A shogun’s golden retirement retreat
00:25 Introduction to the Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, Japan
01:11 Buddhism and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
01:55 Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, collector of ink paintings
02:15 History of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion
02:39 The three stories of the Golden Pavilion
03:18 First floor, shinden mansion style
04:47 Second floor, samurai style
05:55 Top floor, Chinese temple style
06:38 Pure Land Buddhism
07:44 The Golden Pavilion after Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s death

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

Main objects: Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Rokuon-ji, Kyoto, Japan. Originally built during the Muromachi period, 1390s. Destroyed 1950. Rebuilt 1955.

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