Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

A Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, reflected in a pond surrounded by pine trees and gardens. It was built as a shogun's retirement villa in the 14th century; the present building is a 1955 reconstruction after a monk burned it down. You view it from across the pond, then follow a path through the gardens to a teahouse.

It's one of the most visited places in Japan; go early or near closing time. Ryōan-ji, with its famous Zen rock garden, is a short walk away. Kyoto's traditional inns (ryokan) are a great experience and often cheaper than Western hotels; book ahead.