Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. Its two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. 

It began its life as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who ruled in the 15th century. After the shogun's death, it was converted into a temple. Kinkaku-ji has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout its history. 

Image by a kind Japanese security guard