The elegant and luxurious "Kitayama" culture is symbolized by the "Kinkaku-ji" Temple, a Golden Pavilion, built by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the third shogun who developed the Muromachi Shogunate with his outstanding political acumen. On the other hand, the "Higashiyama" culture, characterized by Zen Buddhism, symbolized by the "Ginkaku-ji", a Silver Pavilion", constructed by the eighth shogun, Yoshimasa Ashikaga who lacked political acumen and led the Muromachi shogunate into decline due to the Ōnin War, but possessed artistic sensibility. Both cultures have been firmly inherited as the foundation of modern Japanese culture, so let's introduce these cultures and look at the connections between them.

   The beautiful "Kinkaku-ji", shining in gold, has constructed during the peak of the Muromachi shogunate in the 14th century to demonstrate wealth and power surpassing the emperor. When it was renovated in the 20th century, approximately 20 kilograms of gold leaf was used. The golden phoenix on the roof symbolizes eternal life and power. Kinkaku-ji is not only beautiful, but also a symbol of the luxurious Kitayama culture, and is a culturally and historically representative building of Japan. The official name of Kinkaku-ji is "Rokuon-ji".

   Kinkaku-ji Temple features attractions such as the "Kyoko-ti" which was built to imitate the "Shippo Pond" in the Pure Land of Paradise, the "Rihkushu-no-matsu" which is a 600-year-old pine tree, the Important Cultural Property "Fuudoh-doh Hall" where two statues of "Fuudoh-Miyo-oh" are enshrined, the lu-mon Falls inspired by the Chinese legend where carp turning into dragons and ascend to heaven by climbing a waterfall named "Dragon Gate", and "Haku-jha-no-tsuka" which enshrines to the white snake, the messenger of the water god "Ben-zai-ten". These are an amalgamation of numerous cultures that developed between the 3rd and 14th centuries. Since this era, the Japanese have flexibly incorporated various cultures and created power spots so that they can be bestowed with many blessings from the gods.

   Ginkaku-ji, which was built in the 15th century, is not allowed to take pictures, so I don't have any photos, but like Kinkaku-ji, it is a power spot with ponds and waterfalls, and it is a Zen temple that values ​​"Wabi-Sabi". Ginkaku-ji is a place where a desire to not be involved in the central government of the shogunate mixes with a desire to enjoy Japanese culture. Although it is not as flashy as Kinkaku-ji, it is a cultural building that represents Japan. If you visit it together with Kinkaku-ji, you will be able to get a sense of the changes in Japanese culture. The official name of Ginkaku-ji is "Tōzan-Jishō-ji."

   Japan reached its economic peak in 1990, and then experienced a long period of economic stagnation, but it continues to grow culturally. Modern Tokyo is truly an interesting city where the Kitayama culture and Higashiyama culture are fused. And just like Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, Tokyo is home to many power spots that incorporate various cultures. Representative examples include Meiji Shrine, which has blessings for matchmaking, healing, purification, and strengthening vitality, and Shibuya Hika-wa Shrine, which is a sacred place for matchmaking. A quiet power spot in the city is recommended. It is said that there are many people in Japan who are not religious, but this is not an arrogance of not believing in God, but rather a humble desire to receive blessings from various gods.

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