Afternoon light settled over Kinkaku-ji, and the garden shifted into late-autumn colors. The reflection on the pond felt calm and steady, the kind of moment that stays with you even as people move around. This pavilion once served as a shogun’s retreat, and its present form comes from a careful reconstruction after the 1950s fire. Seeing the gold leaf brighten against red maples in this season adds a depth you won’t catch at other times of year. If you’re visiting Kyoto in autumn, try arriving before sunset. The light is softer, the colors feel richer, and the walking path gives you a full view of the garden’s layout without rushing. 📍 Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji Temple) 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto #KyotoTravel #Kinkakuji #KyotoAutumn