Temple of Golden Pavilion

The Temple of Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji is undeniably one of the most beautiful buildings in Kyoto. It's a Zen temple whose top floors are covered in gold leaf. It was the retirement home of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and became a Zen temple upon his death in 1408, in accordance with his will. The temple was destroyed several times and the present structure was built in 1955.

Entrance is Y 400.

Each floor of the temple represents a different style of architecture. The lower level is built in the Shinden style used during the Heian Period. Its wood pillars and white plaster walls store statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu, which apparently can be viewed if you look closely. We didn't see them. The 2nd floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences and the top floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall.

Golden phoenix on top of the building.

Beautiful gardens in the complex.

Statues that people throw coins at for luck.

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