Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion): A Symbol of Buddhist, Samurai, and Courtly Power

Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate (1336-1573), after he retired from politcal power of shogun and became a Buddhist priest. Part of Rokuon-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion is renowned for its unique three-story structure, in which each floor represents a different social and spiritual order of medieval Japan.

The top floor is a Zen Buddhist monastery with several rounded windows, the second floor reflects the residential style of the samurai class with a simple sliding wooden door, and the first floor follows the shinden-zukuri architecture of court nobles with shitomito (hinged plank doors). Why did Yoshimitsu design the Kinkaku-ji with three distinct architectural styles? One prevailing theory suggests that Kinkaku-ji was a powerful expression of his remarkable power and authority - symbolizing his control over Buddhism, the samurai government, and the imperial court.

Inaugurated as Shogun Amidst the Upheaval of the Northern and Southern Courts

Amidst the tumultuous period of the Southern and Northern Courts (1336-1392), Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408, 足利義満) was appointed the third shogun at the tender age of only 10 in 1369, while the upheaval was still unfolding. His grandfather, Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358, 足利尊氏), overthrew the Kamakura shogunate (1185-1333) at the request of the 96th Emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339, 後醍醐天皇), and the Emperor's parental rule began. However, it collapsed just three years later because of this misrule. Emperor Go-Daigo fled from Kyoto down to the mountainous Yoshino in Nara prefecture with the three sacred treasures as the imperial regalia and established the Southern Court. Meanwhile, Takauji built the Northern Court by setting up another emperor in Kyoto. The unprecedented Northern and Southern Courts began, with the existence of two emperors. Takauji then became a shogun himself and established the Muromachi shogunate. However, as long as the Southern Courts existed, the warfare showed no signs of abating. This was when Yoshimitsu took the political stage.

The Strategic Approach to Unify the Southern and Northern Courts

Despite the shogunate’s existence, it was far from monolithic, as power struggles persisted among various factions. While some forces aligned with the Southern Court, others lent their support to the Northern Court. Consequently, the battles remained unresolved for nearly four decades. Recognizing the necessity to quell domestic unrest, Yoshimitsu believed eliminating the Southern Court was the key. Nevertheless, any attempt to confront or reconcile with the Southern Court proved exceedingly difficult, as it was entrenched in the mountainous stronghold of Yoshino, where its imperial palace was located.

Therefore, Yoshimitsu pursued the unification of the two Courts through a three-step strategy. First, he consolidated his authority over the Northern Court. Second, he brought the samurai class under centralized control by suppressing powerful military clans and eliminating factors sympathetic to the Southern Court. Finally, he sought to compel the Southern Court to abdicate.

To achieve this, Yoshimitsu asserted dominance over the imperial court of the Northern Court by implementing a series of strict reforms. In 1378, upon assuming the prestigious post of Ukon-no-e-Daishō (Major Captain of the Right Palace Guards), he staged an elaborate ceremonial procession to express gratitude to the emperor for the appointment. The procession, which included twenty-one court nobles and departed from the newly constructed Hana-no-Gosho (the shogunate office and Yoshimitsu's residence), left an indelible impression on the people of Kyoto. It projected Yoshimitsu not merely as the leader of the samurai but also as a figure of authority within the court nobility.

Subsequently, Yoshimitsu moved to curtail the influence of powerful samurai clans such as the Toki and Yamauchi. Through these measures, he succeeded in consolidating control over the military elite. With no remaining factions capable of supporting the Southern Court, it ultimately accepted Yoshimitsu's peace terms and surrendered the Three Sacred Treasures to the Northern Court. This decisive act marked the unification of the Northern and Southern Courts.

Dogi, the Ruler, Transcended the Power of the Imperial Court and the Shogunate

In 1395, Yoshimitsu relinquished the position of shogun to his son and assumed the role of a Buddhist priest named Dogi. He built and resided in Kinkaku-ji, modeled after Saihoji Temple, in the serene Kitayama area northwest of Kyoto. Yoshimitsu’s shift in roles did not diminish his influence over state politics. With unwavering support from his samurai and couriers, he remained a central figure in the affairs of the state, orchestrating matters from the Kinkaku-ji. One of his remarkable contributions was the initiation of trade with the Ming Dynasty, an unprecedented endeavor in over 500 years, conducted under his new identity as Dogi. This groundbreaking trade led to immense profits for the shogunate and the entire nation. In addition, the elegant and dazzling Kitayama culture flourished, giving rise to various artistic achievements. Among these, the Noh play (a World Intangible Heritage) reached its perfection through Zeami whom Yoshimitsu patronized generously. Furthermore, he set the Kyoto Five Zen temples: Tenryuji, Shokokuji, Kenninji, Tofukuji, and Manjuji Temples. In addition, Nanzenji temple (exceptional).

The Sense of the World Yoshimitsu Reached

Enjoy a captivating stroll through the picturesque Kinkaku-ji while reflecting on Yoshimitsu’s remarkable achievements in uniting the Southern and Northern Courts, putting an end to turbulence, fostering national peace and prosperity, and flourishing Kitayama Culture. The phoenix statue at the top is a symbol of eternal life, power, and the desire for a peaceful world without warfare. Yoshimitsu stood at the top of the Samurai and Court Nobles as a Buddhist priest. Therefore, the architecture of Kinkaku-ji had to be, from top to bottom, the Buddhist style (Dogi), the samurai style (shogun Yoshimitsu), and the courtly aristocratic style (Grand Minister Yoshimitsu). During the prime of the Muromachi shogunate, his influence was unparalleled. But, in the era of his grandson, Yoshimasa (1436-1490足利義政), the shogunate’s power declined, and he built Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) as if he escaped from politics. That is one ofthe three Great Pavilions of Kyoto (Gold, Silver, and Hiun). The majesty of Kinkaku-ji shining in the setting sun, its glow reflected in the pond, creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Perhaps the state that Yoshimitsu reached after all his hard work was the Pure Land, like this scene.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu Timeline

1185	Minamoto Yoritomo established Kamakura shogunate	-	Kamakura period
1333	The fall of Kamakura shogunate／The Kenmu Restoration had begun	-
1336	The Kenmu Restoration collapssed / Emperor Go-Daigo established the Southern Court at Yoshino	-	Kenmu Restoration
1336	Ashikaga Takauji estabilished Muromachi shogunate	-
1338	Ashikaga Takauji became shogun of Muromachi shogunate	-	Muromachi period
1358	Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was born	Age =1
1367	Yoshimitsu suceeded to Ashikaga family lineage	10
1369	Yoshimitsu became the 3rd shogun of Muromachi shogunate	12
1378	Yoshimitsu constructed Hana-no-Gosho	21
1378	Yoshimitsu assumed Ukon-no-e-Daisho	21
1379	Yoshimitsu defeated the Toki clan	22
1391	Yoshimitsu defeated the Yamana clan	34
1392	The unification of the Southern and Northern Courts	35
1395	Yoshimitsu became a Buddhist priest	38
1397	Golden Pavillion was constracted	40
1399	Yoshimitsu started governmental jobs at Kitayama(Tenkyokaku)	42
1404	Yoshimitsu started the trade with Min	47
1408	Yoshimitsu passed away	51

Recommendation to visit

Kinkaku-ji Temple(Golden Pavillion)

• Access: 45 minutes from Kyoto Station. Take bus #205 at B3 bus stop bound for "Kitaoji BT (北大路バスターミナル)". Got off "Kinkaku-ji-michi (金閣寺道)" stop. A five-minute walk.