During our RTG trip, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed learning about the country's main religions: Shintoism and Buddhism. Getting the opportunity to view massive Zen Buddhist temples and beautiful Shinto shrines was an experience that I will always cherish. One destination that particularly caught my eye was the Kinkaku-ji Temple we visited in Kyoto. Covered in delicate gold leaf sheets, the Kinkaku-ji Temple ? known as the "Gold Pavillion" ? shined its extravagant exterior and welcomed us into its open arms. The stone path around the large monument was accompanied by lush gardens and gently flowing water, a testament to the influence of nature on Japanese religion. One of the most resounding features of the Kinkaku-ji Temple is the statue of a golden phoenix perched atop the roof of the main building. The installation represents the perseverance of the temple ? after having burnt down in the past ? and the strength of the Japanese people.
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