Even on an overcast day, the beautiful temple of the golden pavilion is still breathtaking. You do not enter this temple, only gaze at it and its reverse reflection in the pond it sits on. That and take pictures of yourself in front of it.

There is a well-stocked stand to buy charms and such nearby.

Really beautiful, I have seen 100's of temples but this one, surrounded by a calm lake and gorgeous Japanese Gardens, lovely. Really worth a see!!!

I wasn't very keen when my friend suggested going to Kikaku-ji because the idea of a gold shrine sound rather crass.
But was I ever so wrong...the shrine is gorgeous and I was awe-struck when I first looked at it.
It was nothing like what I had imagined...simply beautiful.

I have seen many pictures of Kinkaku-ji -- the Temple of the Golden Pavillion. And I have even read Mishima's book about the monk that found it too beautiful, so he burned it down. Finally I was able to get to Kyoto. And Kinkaku-ji lived up to it's reputation. I hit it on a clear, sunny day and it was incredibly beautiful.

Yes, you should expect a crowd. Probably the best time is earler in the morning and midweek in the Winter, Spring, and Fall. But even then, there will be lots of people adoring the temple.

But it's worth it. Just look at the picture!