I don’t think I’ve seen many places more harmonious than Kinkakuji, the “Golden Pavilion Temple” in Kyoto.
To me, this Zen temple is a great example of the Japanese extraordinary talent for balanced landscaping. The pavilion itself might look over-the-top on its own, or in a different context. As it is, surrounded by this pond and gardens, it’s quite hard not to marvel at its sight.
You’d think photos practically take themselves in such a place, but it’s never easy when you are trying to find a spot amongst dozens of local school kids and tourists. Every attraction I visited in Kyoto was crowded, but this was one of the worst in that respect. It’s still a must-see, yet another one in a city brimming with beauty.
One can only envy the 14th century shogun who enjoyed Kinkakuji as his retirement villa.