Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It was originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and later converted into a temple. The structure is famous for its stunning gold leaf exterior, which reflects 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 pond, Kinkaku-ji attracts many visitors each year, who come to admire its architectural beauty and serene environment.