Compared with the dazzling golden exterior of Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji is not actually covered in silver leaf. Its understated, elegant wooden architecture gives a stronger sense of the Japanese beauty of wabi-sabi. The Ginshadan sand garden and Kogetsudai platform are also quite distinctive, creating a quiet and serene atmosphere alongside the scenery of the four seasons. If Kinkaku-ji represents splendor, Ginkaku-ji showcases another side of Kyoto’s aesthetic—simple and understated.
Ginkaku-ji | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of 10,000 different shrines across Japan dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane. Sugawara was an acclaimed scholar who was deemed innocent posthumously after being exiled to Dazaifu by Kyoto’s Imperial Court. The main hall was built over his grave and has been preserved as a sacred site of Tenjin worship for over 1100 years.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning. It is one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines and a popular spiritual spot where many people pray for success in their studies and exams. When I visited in early spring, the plum blossoms throughout the grounds were beginning to bloom. The flowers were small and delicate, with a charm completely different from cherry blossoms. After praying, I strolled along the lively approach to the shrine and bought a sweet and tasty umegae mochi. Eating it while browsing the shops made for a relaxing and pleasant experience. It's a great place to spend half a day taking in the atmosphere of Dazaifu at a leisurely pace.
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Uncle Rikuro’s Freshly Baked Cheesecake
Uncle Rikurou's freshly baked cheesecake" has been famous in the local market since 1984 for its fluffy texture and delicious taste. Since then, its reputation has spread nationwide, and it is now known as Osaka's famous confectionery.
When I passed by the Namba main store, I saw the long line outside, and my curiosity was immediately piqued. I couldn't resist joining the line and buying one to try. The freshly baked cheesecake was piping hot, with a milky aroma rising with the steam that made my mouth water. The cutest part was when the staff stamped the shop's signature “りくろーおじさん” branding onto the surface of the cake. Such an adorable little detail. The cake looked quite substantial, but it was surprisingly light, fluffy, and soft. Shared among two or three people, it was gone in no time. It definitely lived up to the long line.
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Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
Himeji Castle is known as the “White Heron Castle” because of its white walls and elegant appearance, and it is one of the most iconic surviving castles in Japan. It is not only designated as a National Treasure of Japan, but was also one of the first Japanese castles to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving it an important place in the history of Japanese castles. Walking through the castle, the layers of stone walls, winding passageways, and well-preserved wooden structures make it easier to imagine its defensive design in the past. Admiring the white main keep from a distance, you can really feel the elegant grandeur it has retained over the years.
Especially when cherry blossom season arrives in spring, it feels as though everyone has planned to meet up and flock to Himeji Castle to see the flowers. From far away, you can see the bridge packed with people, all joining in the festivities. It is such a lively scene. The cherry blossoms throughout the grounds are in full bloom, and the pale pink blossoms paired with elegant Himeji Castle create an unforgettable view!
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