Kinkaku-ji

The history of what is now one of the most iconic temples in Japan started back in 1397, when the area was turned into a temple complex by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Until then, the building was a villa belonging to a powerful statesman. When the shogun died, the building was converted into a Zen temple by his son.

Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji was destroyed in 1950, when a mentally ill novice monk burnt it down. This incident is the underlying story to Yukio Mishima’s novel “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” from 1956.
The pavilion was restored a few years later however, the present pavilion was completed in 1955 and is said to be true to the original.

The top floors of the pavilion are covered by a pure gold leaf coating. In fact, it’s from this that the pavilion has got its name – “Kinkaku-ji” literally means “Temple of the Golden Pavilion”. Due to wear and tear from the elements, the coating was redone in 1986～1987, this time much thicker and more weather resistant when compared to the previous one.

Kinkaku-ji

One interesting feature of this structure that makes it stand out, is the fact that the exterior of the pavilion uses three different styles of architecture - one on each floor. The bottom floor is made in something called “shinden-zukuri”, which has its roots in the 11th century. This floor is not covered in gold, and has several open verandas.

The second floor is built in a style called “buke-zukuri”, a style related to warrior aristocrats. This floor also contains a small shrine dedicated to Kannon, or the goddess of mercy. The top floor is built in a traditional Chinese style that’s typically used for Zen temples (Chan in Chinese).Albeit not open to visitors, the interior of the building has also been restored, and is supposed to be true to the original as well.

Kyoko-chi

The garden around the temple provides many different views of the structure, as well as the rest of the temple grounds and its other buildings. In front of the golden pavilion is a pond called “Kyoko-chi”, that has a couple of tiny islands in it. You will also pass a small teahouse and another pond with some statues on an island on which you can throw coins at for good luck. Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and one of the most well visited temples in Kyoto. Sometimes the crowds coming here can be somewhat overwhelming, so we would recommend that you try to avoid the peak hours if possible.

gold covered soft ice cream

In front of the temple grounds you will find a few shops selling snacks and food. One of the specialties is gold covered soft ice cream.

Kinkaku-ji is located in the northern part of Kyoto, somewhat far from the central parts of the city.
To get here you can take bus 32 from Kyoto station. The nearest station is Enmachi on the Sagano line, but from there it’s about 30 minutes’ walk.
The temple grounds are open from 9am to 5pm, and admission is 400 yen.

Kinkaku-ji

Rokuon-ji Temple (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

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Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Kinkakujichou 1

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Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour丨Osaka/Kyoto

¥6,750

Update date：2024/04/26