Here's one perk of being a shogun: When you retire, you get to do it in style. Take, for example, the retirement villa that Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu built. Kinkakuji (or Kinkaku-ji), Yoshimitsu's famous Golden Pavilion, literally shimmers and shines. Lavishly coated in gold leaf and set amidst lush gardens and tranquil pond, the image it presents is simply breathtaking. "Wow" doesn't quite say it.
Located in Kyoto, Japan, Kinkaku-ji is more formally known as Rokuon-ji (the Deer Garden Temple). It was built in 1397 and was part of Yoshimitsu's estate. However, after the Shogun's death and in compliance to his will, the villa was converted into a temple, Today, it is a branch temple of the Zen temple of Shokoku-ji and houses priceless treasures – the sacred relics of Buddha...