Golden temple

The Golden Temple, or Golden Pavilion, is the most popular landmark and symbol of the Japanese city of Kyoto. The pavilion, walls and roof of the temple are covered with thin sheets of gold. It was built in the 14th century as the residence of the shogun of the Ashikaga clan. In the early 15th century, after the death of the shogun, the building became a Buddhist temple. It contains the golden leafed relics of the Buddha.

In 1950, the temple was burned down by a religious fanatic, as described in the novel Golden Temple by Yukio Mishima. Five years later, the building was restored. Currently, the temple is located on a vast territory and includes a well-groomed garden, a picturesque pond in which the pavilion is reflected as if in a mirror, a place for tea ceremonies, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy edible gold.