Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, creating a striking reflection on the surrounding mirror pond. The temple is set amidst beautiful gardens with access to scenic paths, providing a tranquil atmosphere. Originally a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a Zen temple after his death in 1408.