From September 1, 2020, Kyoto-bound visitors intent on seeing the World Heritage Site of Kinkakuji Temple 金閣寺, known in English as "The Golden Pavilion," have had to make do with a view of construction scraffolding. For the past four moths, the famous gold-gilded reliquary hall has been hidden from public view as it undergoes renovations.

Just in time for the end of the year, those renovations are now complete, and The Golden Pavilion was unveiled to the media on December 29th.

It has been 18 years since the roof's wooden shingles were entirely replaced. According to the Mainichi, around 100,000 Sawara cypress wood shingles and 10,000 gold leaves were used in the renovation.

Emerging from its four months hidden behind sheets and scaffolding, Kinkakuji appeared even more resplendent than ever, as did its reflection in the aptly named Mirror Pond.

Visitors can now enjoy this World Heritage Site the way it was intended to be seen.

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If you'd like to learn more about Kinkakuji Temple, and even go on a virtual tour of the premises, visit the official website here.