Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji (aka Rokuan-ji) is a Zen Buddhist temple that was originally a villa dating back to 1397. It was later converted to a temple, and the famous three-story Golden Pavilion is cover with gold leaf, which is meant to reduce any negative sentiments toward death. The surrounding gardens and walking trails are very scenic as well. We spent a little over an hour here walking along the trails and taking photos. There were lots of people and tour groups here since this is a popular tourist site. #timetotravel #japan #kyoto #kinkakuji