We hear that Kyoto is having its snowiest winter in a decade. Woo hoo! It has snowed maybe ten different times so far, but it has never accumulated more than an inch or three.And, when the snow does accumulate, the sun comes out and melts everything fairly quickly. You don't even need to shovel. But, what you do need to do is run (don't walk!) to Kinkakuji Temple. It is practically mandatory for Kyoto denizens to enjoy the Golden Pavillion coated in snow at least once each winter if the snow accumulates.
Nishihara-sensei (one of Chris' Japanese teachers) said that when snow accumulates you should drop whatever you are doing and rush to Kinkakuji Temple... even if you are in the middle of research, even if you have to meet with your supervisor, even if you are sitting in her Japanese class!
After rushing to Kinkakuji one recent wintry morning, we completely understand those sentiments. It was beautiful (even in just an inch of rapidly melting snow)! I just hope we get a really big snowfall so that we can return to see the total splendor of Snowy Kinkakuji.
In case you do not appreciate the quiet elegance of a temple dusted in snow, there was also the sight of the police/guards near the temple. I must say, their snowy weather uniforms were fantastically fluorescent!
