Kinkakuji (or the "Golden Pavillion") is probably the most well known site in Kyoto. Originally built in 1220, the pavillion is 33' wide, 40' long, and 42' high and covered in gold leaf inside and out. It managed to survive the ravages of war and neglect until 1950, when a deranged monk burned it down. It was rebuilt in 1955 and has been re-guilded (with $5 million worth of foil!) once in 1987.