Uncanny Japan The Golden Pavilion Has Weird Ghosts (Ep. 166)
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Feb 22, 2025 Discover the captivating stories behind Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, including its surprising history and architectural wonders. Learn about its real name, which isn’t Kinkaku-ji, and the strange occurrences of ghostly monks appearing in visitor photos. The unexpected blend of samurai heritage and modern supernatural tales paints a vivid picture of this iconic site. Get ready for a delightful mix of folklore, history, and the unexplained!
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The Real Name
- The Golden Pavilion's real name is Rokuon-ji, meaning Deer Park Temple.
- It's named after where Buddha gave his first sermon.
A History of Fires
- The Golden Pavilion was originally a five-tiered pagoda.
- Lightning strikes and the Onin War reduced it to three stories.
Arson and Seppuku
- In 1950, a novice monk burned down the Golden Pavilion.
- Author Yukio Mishima fictionalized the event and later committed seppuku.
