This photo is a corner of the older part of the Imperial Palace in Kyōto. I’m
impressed with the intricacy of the construction: the number and precision
placement of the support beams, and the all of the artful details in the eaves
and roof tiles.
金閣寺 was built as a private residence
of a powerful lord. The house and surrounding grounds are beautiful; you can
imagine escaping there for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of
Japanese court life. In his will, he bequeathed the site to his favorite
Buddhist sect who transformed it into the temple it is today.