His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday paid a visit to Kyoto, Japan.
Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses were Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman; and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah.
Their Royal Highnesses first visited the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, where Their Royal Highnesses were briefed on the history of the palace and toured the premises. The Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace was built in 1630 as the retirement palace of Emperor Gomizunoo and became the palace for subsequent retired emperors.
The original palace burned down in 1854 and, although it was not reconstructed, the palace gardens and tea pavilions remain as the location’s main attractions.
Next, Their Royal Highnesses visited Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion where Their Royal Highnesses were briefed on the Zen Buddhist temple, one of the 17 locations under the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was built in 1397 as a retirement villa of the shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Built to showcase the extravagant Kitayama culture, each floor symbolises a different style of architecture and the temple’s top two floors are famous for being completely covered in pure gold leaf. After being burned down in 1950, the present pavilion was rebuilt in 1955 to reflect its former grandeur.
These visits highlight Japan’s efforts to protect and preserve the rich history and unique culture of the country that have long been established.
