Kin Kaku Ji is a Zen temple whose English name translates as Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Apart from Mount Fuji, Kin Kaku Ji is likely one of the most photographed subjects in Japan, within a country with an abundance of photogenic subjects.

The original building was constructed in the year 1397 AD as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After the Shogun's death, his son complied with the Shogun's wishes and converted the villa into a temple. The three-story pavilion is covered in bright gold leaf and has a bronze phoenix on the roof.