Kinkaku-ji, or Temple of the Golden Pavilion, as some have called it, is a beautiful Zen Buddhist temple covered with pure gold leaf located in Kyoto. It is designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape, and it is one of 17 World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto. The carp in the pond along with the serene nature of the surroundings provided a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

At Kinkaku-ji, I sampled gold leaf flaked plum tea but it is definitely an acquired taste. It tasted like warm salty fermented water. Other treats included mochi, healthy Japanese matcha and beautifully made rice crackers.

It’s amazing how the architecture, dating from the Muromachi period, has remained intact for centuries. My father, who had been to Japan 20 years ago, marvelled at how the temple still looked the same and they were hawking the same souvenirs! There were some intricate structures throughout that you could throw your coins into and make a wish. It is highly recommended on your tour to Kyoto!