6Kinkaku-ji, Japan
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s most exquisite temples. Located in Kyoto, this Zen Buddhist temple is renowned for its stunning golden exterior, which reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a temple. The harmony between the golden structure, the water, and the meticulously landscaped gardens creates a scene of perfect tranquility.
