Japanese Architecture
Past
Famous Buildings and Architects

Official Name: Kitayama Rokuon-ji Temple
Common Name: Kinkaku (Golden Leaf Temple)
Built By: Yoshimitsu
Date Of Completion: 1397

Kinkaku is a Zen temple that is notable for the fact that it is the home of Golden Pavilion which houses the remains of the Buddha.

In 1950, Kinkaku sustained a devastating fire. The old gold leaf had gradually faded and worn off was replaced with new shining gold. The Japanese opinion of the new gold leaf was mixed. Many people though the gaudy gold leaf destroyed the refined beauty of the temple. Others thought the new gold leaf which brought many more tourists with cameras to be beautiful.