.Kinkakuji Temple covered by snow on New Year's day

Snow in the ancient capital of Kyoto, western Japan, has fallen on the Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple for the first time this winter.

Snow began falling in the city at around 9 PM on Thursday and continued on and off until Friday morning.

The roof of Kinkakuji Temple, located at the foot of a mountain, had a thin covering of snow, creating a fantastic scene with a reflection on the surrounding pond.

But the snow had melted by the time the temple opened to the public at 9 AM, except for some areas around the pond.

Tourists were seen taking photos of the snow-covered pavilion.

A woman from Gunma, central Japan, said the snow gave the temple a different kind of beauty and left her feeling refreshed on New Year's Day.

Weather officials say intermittent snowfall is expected in Kyoto throughout Friday.