Move to Kyoto from Osaka, Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion)
In the morning, I toured Osaka Castle, and around lunchtime, I made my way to Kyoto.
Kyoto was easily accessible from Osaka Umeda Station via the Hankyu Line.
I could have also taken the JR Line from JR Osaka Station,
but I had an Osaka-Kyoto pass, so I took the Hankyu Line at no additional cost.
Hankyu Umeda Station: Kyoto Line(京都線) Express, 42 minutes, 390 yen
(Free with the Osaka-Kyoto pass) / Get off at Kawaramachi Station
JR Osaka: Kyoto-bound (JR Tokaido Main Line) Rapid, 29 minutes, 540 yen / Get off at JR Kyoto Station
While it took a bit more time compared to the JR Line, I didn’t have to pay extra.
JR Kyoto Station and Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto were at different locations, so the travel route within Kyoto was slightly different, but I opted for the Hankyu train.
Osaka Umeda Station (梅田, Maeda)
There were occasional signs in Korean at Umeda Station, and finding the platform for the train was not difficult.
The train platforms were directly connected to the ticket gates.
Since Umeda was the terminal station, trains came into the platform to pick up and drop off passengers.
I boarded the express train to Kawaramachi Station at 11:40 AM.
It departed from platform 1 just 6 minutes later.
Hankyu train entering the platform
Trains filled with people arrived, and after passengers disembarked on the opposite side, new passengers boarded.
Japanese trains are a bit different from Korean subway systems.
Unlike the intricate underground networks in Korean cities, Japanese trains not only serve city centers but also rapidly connect to surrounding cities.
While JR trains cover longer distances quickly, local trains in Japan serve nearby cities.
This means that Japanese trains don’t stop at stations every 2-3 minutes like in Korea; sometimes, you may travel for 10 or 20 minutes before reaching the next station.
Upon arriving in Kyoto, I noticed signs in Korean.
Kyoto had a well-established bus system within the city, making it convenient to use buses to reach your desired destinations quickly.
Shijo-dori (四条通り) Street
Christmas decorations adorned the streets as Christmas approached.
I took a bus not far from the station to my destination.
Bus number 5
To reach my first destination, Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion), I took bus number 5 from a bus stop not far from the station.
With the Osaka-Kyoto pass, I could use Kyoto city buses for free.
It took about 30 minutes on bus number 5 to reach the entrance of Ginkakuji.
The Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道)
Getting off the bus and walking towards Ginkakuji, I noticed the Philosopher’s Path.
It ran alongside a regular road with a small stream and provided a serene walk under large trees.
I thought it would be even more beautiful in spring.
The Philosopher’s Path in winter didn’t differ significantly from a regular sidewalk, so the experience was less enchanting.
Rickshaw Puller
I encountered a rickshaw puller again, just as I did at Nara Park.
While I saw rickshaws around, there were no passengers. I wondered if it was challenging to pull a rickshaw with such weak-looking legs.
Ginkakuji Entrance
There were many people at the temple entrance, and the souvenir shops and restaurants there didn’t differ much from those in Korea.
Ginkakuji, Silver Pavilion Information Sign
Upon reaching the temple entrance, I saw an information sign depicting Ginkakuji like a painting.
It wasn’t easy to read as there was no Korean translation.
Ginkakuji Entrance, Main Gate
After passing through the entrance gate, I could stroll through a beautiful bamboo grove with a slight incline.
‘ㄱ’ Shaped Bamboo Grove Path Beyond the Main Gate
There was a bamboo grove with incredibly tall bamboo welcoming me.
Walking along this ‘ㄱ’ shaped bamboo grove path, I felt like I was leaving the mundane world behind and entering the realm of the Buddha.
Admission Ticket for Ginkakuji
The admission fee was 500 yen.
However, the admission ticket wasn’t a small one like in Korea; it was more like a talisman, with writing and seals on a long piece of paper.
It truly felt like I had entered a temple.
Inside the Temple Grounds, Under Repair
When I entered the Ginkakuji grounds, I felt a bit disappointed when I first saw the building called the “Silver Pavilion”.
Contrary to its name, it was made of weathered wood instead of silver. Moreover, even this building was under repair, making it challenging to get a full view.
Later, I found out that when they initially built the second-floor pavilion, the founder of the temple, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, intended to cover it with silver, but he passed away before completing it.
Japanese-Style Garden, Kare-san-sui (枯山水, Dry Landscape Garden)
Still, I could fully appreciate Japan’s Kare-san-sui-style garden, which represents a mountainous landscape using only rocks and sand.
The temple’s surroundings were tranquil and stable.
Kare-san-sui: A Japanese garden style that portrays a natural landscape using rocks and sand, without the use of water)
Koi Pond in the Garden
There were koi fish swimming in a small pond in the garden.
Small Waterfall at the Back of the Temple
Most of my time was spent exploring the temple’s garden rather than the temple itself.
At the back of the temple, there was a small waterfall.
Ginkakuji Garden and Lake
I enjoyed the traditional Japanese garden, which was a highlight of my visit.
Cityscape View
From the hill behind the temple, there was a spot to enjoy a view of Kyoto city.
Surrounded by trees and gardens, it was a warm experience to appreciate both Ginkakuji and the city.
With the cityscape view behind me, I left Ginkakuji and headed towards Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion).
Ginkakuji Bread
At the entrance of Ginkakuji, I bought a piece of bread from a shop. It was soft and delicious.
Dec. 14, 2009.