MIDDLE TEMPLE
AREA
Tuesday, September 26 (cont.).
The Pagoda |
The Four-Legged Gate |
Passing into the middle area of the temple complex, we came to a
beautiful three-story pagoda (1601). Then we saw the Four-Legged
Gate (Shikyakumon) (1598) with a long processional walk that
reminded us of some we had seen leading to temples in Egypt.
Back on the Main Path |
Actor ready to mount |
As we returned to the main path, we found that it was now closed off
to the north, the direction from which we had come. The Temple is a
popular set for period movies, and a crew had moved in to film a
scene. We tried to maneuver around them for a shot of the costumed
actor mounting a horse. We eventually got one, but it was from the
wrong end of
the horse.
Golden Buddha |
Following the main path south over the old stone Murakumo Bridge,
Darrell wandered into a small building on the left. He never figured out
what the building was, but in it was a large, fan-shaped artifact,
seemingly of solid gold, depicting a seated Buddha.
|
Kojoin Reception Hall
|
Screen fron Four Seasons
|
|
Contuing along the same way, the path made an abrupt turn to the
left, and there was a
very modern-looking art museum on the corner. (It probably was the
Kojoin Reception Hall.) Admission required
a separate ticket. We were curious as to what might be inside,
but we were not able to inquire in Japanese. We took a chance
and went in. It certainly turned out
to be a good choice. We discovered a fascinating and unique exhibit
of multiple painted walls and sliding doors (1600) by Mitsunobu
Kano, all featuring golden backgrounds.
Bishamon Hall |
As we left the museum, the main path turned
southeast and passed Bishamon Hall (1616), a small red building,
dedicated to the patron of warriors.
