Kinkakuji, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple situated in northern Kyoto, Japan. It was initially constructed in 1397 as a retirement villa by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Among the buildings and gardens within the temple complex, the most famous is the Kinkaku, a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf that stands by a serene pond.

The history of Kinkakuji is a mix of tragedy and perseverance. The original temple was destroyed by fire in 1950, with a young monk named Hayashi Yoken found guilty of starting the blaze. He subsequently took his own life, leaving a lasting impact on Kinkakuji's history. The current pavilion is a faithful reconstruction that was completed in 1955, precisely replicating the original design.

Kinkakuji is a must-see for individuals keen on Japanese culture, architecture, and history. Here are some reasons why:

Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine located about 8 kilometers from Kinkakuji. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a network of trails leading up the mountain behind the shrine. Visitors can take a hike through the gates and enjoy the beautiful views. ( I personally recommend going to Nara Japan in the morning, then visiting these shrines in the late afternoon so you can climb up and see the sunset over the city at night... Magical!)(P.S. You can actually see the Nintendo Japan head quarters from up here with a good enough zoom on your camera... but it may feel like your searching for waldo while you look for it!)

Arashiyama is a scenic district located about 8 kilometers from Kinkakuji. The bamboo groves here are especially beautiful during the summer months when the sunlight filters through the tall bamboo stalks. Visitors can take a stroll through the groves, enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or take a scenic boat ride along the Hozu River.