Kinkakuji Temple, or Golden Temple (formally Rokueonji), is a Zen Buddhist temple whose facade is covered with gold leaf. This temple is one of the most attractive and popular buildings in Japan, which is located in the northern part of Tokyo. This temple is one of the most attractive and popular buildings in Japan, which is located in the northern part of Tokyo.

This site was originally a villa called Kitayama-dai and belonged to the powerful politician Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu). When Yoshimitsu died, the complex was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple by his son in 1408.

This complex has been the victim of fire several times, only two of these fires were as a result of war and once a mad monk set the temple on fire. This monk was sentenced to 7 years in prison and was finally released due to mental illness. The current building is the result of reconstruction in 1955.

The name of the temple is derived from the golden sheets used in the facade of the building.

Kinkakuji temple architecture

The architecture of each floor of the Golden Temple has a different style from other temples, the details of which are as follows.

• first floor: It was built in the “Shinden” style of architecture, which was used to build palaces in this style during the “Hian” era. This floor is designed completely differently from other floors and its architectural style has wooden columns and white plaster walls.
• second floor: It is built in the architectural style of samurai residences and its exterior is also covered with gold sheets.
• third floor: It is designed in the architectural style of a Chinese Zen hall, and its exterior and interior are covered with gold sheets.
• And finally, a golden phoenix is ​​placed on the roof of the temple.

In addition to Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Temple, one can enjoy visiting the house of the former chief priests, the temple gardens and the view of the beautiful lagoon of the garden.