Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺
The golden temple in the north
One of Japan’s best known sights, the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyōto where the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
It’s an impressive view from across the lake, but you’re unlikely to be alone. Go early in the day or just before closing to avoid crowds.
‘The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’ by Yukio Mishima is a 1956 novel based on the 1950 tragic burning of the Kinkaku-ji by a young monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
Kinkaku-ji is said to bethe inspiration for the similarly named Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) in the east of Kyōto.