Visit Kyoto's Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Kinkaku-ji, Japan's most photographed temple, outshines #3's Golden Pavilion by being a 14th-century three-story pavilion entirely covered in gold leaf, reflected in a serene pond. Attracting 2.8 million visitors annually, it is one of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto—more than any other city in Japan. The site spans 4.6 acres, and its golden facade alone costs ¥1 billion to maintain, ensuring a visual benchmark for temple tourism.