Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

A Zen temple pavilion whose top two floors are covered in real gold leaf, mirrored in the pond in front of it. It was rebuilt in 1955, to the same design, after a 1950 arson fire destroyed the 14th-century original. One of the most recognisable buildings in Japan.

Admission is around ¥500 (cash only: no cards, and no ATMs nearby, so carry yen). You view the pavilion from a set path around the pond; going inside isn't permitted. It's open every day of the year, 9:00–17:00, with no closures for weather or holidays. The trade-off is that it's rarely uncrowded, so early morning is the best chance of a clear photo.