Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion

The present-day Kinkaku-ji pavilion was rebuilt in 1955, with the top floors completely coated in golden leaf, as it is largely accepted that the original construction was covered with gold. Actually, this striking covering wasn't only a reflection of wealth, but it had a spiritual meaning too, because it was believed that gold can purify negative feelings.

In 1984 the building was again restored, because of the weathering of the gold-leaf, and the restoration was completely finalized in 2003. Today, Kinkaku-ji looks truly spectacular, as it probably looked like during the Muromachi period.