A snowy Sunday

I glance out the window this morning and, just as the forecast said, big snowflakes are falling. I decide to get up and go take a few photos. I would like to head to Kurama-dera (seen in autumn), which is easy to reach by train. I also plan to make a small detour on the way via Kinkaku-ji, which I have never seen in the snow. This is the perfect chance.

After a short bus ride, I arrive at the temple entrance around 9:15am, shortly after opening. There are a few people outside, but it is inside the grounds that the waiting really begins. On top of the usual visitors, it feels like quite a few locals have had the same idea as I did. Some of them must even be professionals, judging by the quality of their camera gear. Several lines lead to the edge of the main pond, offering clear views of the Golden Pavilion. I pick one line (the slowest one) and wait. The snow shows no sign of letting up. I finally reach the front. I put my umbrella away, take off my gloves, and start shooting.

I manage to slip away from this first spot and move a little further along the path. Another line, more photos. The few seconds spent shooting are enough for the snow to work its way into my gloves. The wind also blows flakes onto the lens, and I have to find dry tissues to wipe it as best I can. After another stop, my gloves become useless… I blow into my hands during the waiting periods to warm my fingers.

After 3 minutes, I have no dry tissues left, my camera is wet and my hands are frozen. While waiting again, I grumble inwardly at those who take too long with their shots. In the line next to mine, someone is filming a video for several long minutes… Let’s stay calm! Thankfully, the setting makes up for it: even without sunshine, the Golden Pavilion stands out beautifully in an almost monochrome landscape.

The rest of the visit flows more smoothly and there is no more waiting. The conditions, however, remain tough. Everything is wet and cold. I hurry along and, once outside, take refuge for a few minutes in the nearby Lawson. I come back out with a hot tea, but give up on the idea of continuing on to Kurama. I wait for the bus and head back toward my starting point. I do a bit of shopping and dry whatever can be dried. Before going home, I walk through the small streets around Nijō-jō.

I finish the walk at Ryūō Shrine around 12:30. Once I am finally warm again at home, the snow eases off and the sun comes out. Ah ah, nice try… but I’m too comfy now to head back out.