Kinkakuji is a Zen Temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in Gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and according to his will it became a Zen Temple of the Rinzai Sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
