Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is another one of the Kyoto, Japan's, many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The third shogun of Muromachi Shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), built the hall in his own villa, called Kitayama-den. Just as a handout says, the pavilion and its garden were fashioned to represent the Buddhist’s earthly paradise. The gorgeous, golden exterior is striking against the dark green forest and blue water pond in the garden surrounding it.
Hours: Mon – Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: 1 Kinkokujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Pref. Admission: Adults: 400 yen, Elementary and middle school students: 300 yen Website
