Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

In 1397 Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu acquired a villa on this site and then created the Kinkaku-ji complex as a retirement villa, including the pavilion and an extensive strolling garden (kaiyuushiki teien). In accordance with Yoshimitsu’s wishes, the pavilion was converted to a Zen temple when he died. It served as a shariden, or place where relics from the Buddha are housed. Each floor of the pavilion is built in a different architectural style, and the upper two floors are completely clad in gold leaf. The first floor, called The Chamber of Dharma Waters, is in the style called shinden-zukuri, popular among the Heian imperial aristocracy during the eleventh century. The second floor, called The Tower of Sound Waves, is built in the style called buke-zukuri, typical of samurai houses. The third floor, called The Superb Apex, is in the style of a Buddha Hall in a Zen temple (or zenshu-butsuden-zukuri). Topping the pavilion is a bronze statue of a phoenix – very appropriate since the building was destroyed by an arsonist in 1950. It was rebuilt in 1955, and has undergone additional restoration since then. In the 1980’s the gold leaf and much of the laquerwork were replaced.

The landscape surrounding the pavilion, including extensive gardens and a dramatic reflecting pool, are designed to convey the Buddhist sense of harmony between heaven and earth. 

The Golden Pavilion is famous as a symbol of Kitayama culture, and it has been designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape. It is a hugely popular destination for Japanese and international visitors.

Additional information:

Japan Guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji
Sacred Destinations: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/kyoto-kinkakuji