Temple of the Golden Pavillion

The Temple of the Golden Pavillion (kinkaku-ji) was a highlight for me on our visit to Kyoto. I imagined it might be thronged with tourists (and likely is during some seasons), but the way its grounds are set up for maximal viewing without interference between lens and subject is well-planned. And we couldn't have asked for better weather. 

If we had come during autumn, red maple leaves would dominate; in spring, purple irises would edge kyoko-chi (mirror pond). Summer's greenery padded above with nimbus clouds were our treat. Even winter's sparseness couldn't dull this ancient zen temple, which dates back to 1397.  According to Wikipedia, the complex was burned down during the Onin War of 1467-1477, but not the temple itself. However, in 1950, a troubled novice monk did burn the temple down. Soon thereafter the temple was restored to its original state and given a new layer of gold leaf.¹

Since visiting I have learned that the pond's twelve islands are arranged in Zen formation.

• 1.Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji