Photo= The Golden Pavilion enveloped with white snow for the first time this year (Kita Ward, Kyoto)

Under the influence of a strong winter pressure pattern, this year's first snow accumulation was recorded in Kyoto City's main urban area. "Kinkaku-ji," or the Golden Pavilion, in Kita Ward, Kyoto was covered with snow, reflecting a beautiful contrast of white and gold on the pond.

According to Kyoto Local Meteorological Office, snow accumulation of four centimeters was recorded in Kyoto City as of 9:00 a.m. on January 20. Up to eight centimeters of snow fell on Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture.

On that day, the lowest temperature fell to minus 1.7 degrees Celsius, which was 1.3-degrees down from the previous day. Frozen road surfaces caused a series of accidents across the city.

At the Golden Pavilion, staff was very busy with preparations, which included clearing snow from the approach to the shrine, while visitors lined up waiting for the opening of the gate at 9:00 a.m. To welcome visitors, the stone-paved path was covered with thin straw mats to prevent falls.