The Golden Pavilion of Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The complex grew from a villa purchased in 1397.

The Golden Pavilion functions as a shariden housing relics of the Buddha. Each floor uses a different architectural style.

Twenty kilograms of gold leaf covers the pavilion.

The first floor uses natural unpainted wood and white plaster. Shutters control light. Curtains were apparently too much fabric.

The pavilion extends over Kyōko-chi, a pond containing 10 smaller islands. The garden integrates outside scenery with the structure.

Four stones form a straight line in the pond representing anchored sailboats.

In 1984, workers discovered the gold leaf had peeled off. Thicker gold leaf solved that.

The present pavilion dates from 1955, when it was rebuilt. Kinkaku-ji remains one of 17 Historic Monuments.