The Golden Temple ...

Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Temple or the Golden Pavilion, is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. It gets its nickname from the gold lacquer that covers the temple. It definitely sticks out & I think it is one of the most beautiful places we have been in Japan. From the temple to the gardens, everything was breathtakingly beautiful ... even when it was raining.

If you look close enough you can see the rain on the water ...

Amanda, myself & her two sisters Casey & Lindsey

The gardens around the temple were almost as beautiful as the temple itself. Everywhere we went there were waterfalls and impressive topiary, significant rocks, and places to throw your money and make a wish.

I was a sucker for all of these money tossing stops. I made a lot of wishes that day:

After spending the day being cultural at the temple, Amanda & I quickly found a Starbucks for some coffee & to escape the rain.
We also grabbed some lunch at a random ramen shop with our new world traveling friend Paul. We met him at the temple & found out he was traveling the globe over the course of a few months or something crazy like that. He had great stories. He's kind of my hero.

much love

-tara-

xx