Kinkaku-ji
金閣寺
A golden Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto built in the 14th century as a shogun's retirement villa and now one of Japan's most iconic landmarks.

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The temple is famous for its striking golden-leafed top two floors, which contrast beautifully with the white-plastered bottom floor and the surrounding gardens and pond. The temple was built in the 14th century and originally served as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death, it was converted into a temple by his son. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can stroll through the temple's beautiful gardens, including a large pond with a small island, and enjoy the reflection of the temple in the water. The temple is also surrounded by many other historical buildings and temples, making it a perfect place to explore the rich cultural and religious history of Japan.






