Kinkakuji aka: Temple Of The Golden Pavilion, Rokuon-ji

The gardens were really pretty.

As impressive as the building looks at first glance, it’s actually kinda plain when you get up close. The surrounding pond and garden areas are very beautiful, which makes the full experience of the grounds worthwhile.

Western people aren’t usually accustomed to Japanese art. Yet it’s very very attractive once you discover and learn to appriciate it. Kinkakuji is one of the finest examples from this point of view. Read some of its history, visit it, you’ll love it. Sunset is especially loving in summer in my opinion.

This is by far one of the most amazing places to go in Kyoto. It’s absolutely beautiful!

This place is truly beautiful. I went here so long ago but it was so lovely

A lot of those touristy places you check out really are what you imagine them to be… and this is one of those places. The temple really is as gold as it is in the pictures… and it does stick out like a sore thumb. But in a good way. It’s an amazingly beautiful temple and a must-see if you’re in Kyoto

I’ve been here, but really, the less famous Ginkakuji is much more beautiful.

This was one stop that my husband insisted on getting to and it was well worth it. The pavillion is beautiful and the surrounding gardens and ponds are incredible.