金閣寺, or the Golden Pavilion, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Officially named Kinkaku-ji, it was originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by lush gardens and a tranquil landscape, 金閣寺 attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history.