What is Kinkaku-ji?

Kinkakuji (金閣寺), also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officially named Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺), this Zen Buddhist temple stuns visitors with its two top floors covered in real gold leaf, gracefully reflected in a mirror-like pond.

Originally built in 1397 as a luxurious villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the structure was later converted into a temple. Surrounded by elegant gardens and steeped in Muromachi-period aesthetics, Kinkaku-ji is a must-see for anyone visiting Kyoto.

History of the Temple

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, commissioned the construction of Kinkaku-ji as a retreat for his retirement. After his death, the site was transformed into a Zen temple in accordance with his will.

The building embodies Kitayama culture, a refined lifestyle that blended aristocratic taste with Zen ideals. Over the centuries, Kinkaku-ji endured multiple fires, with the most devastating occurring in 1950 when a novice monk set it ablaze. Thanks to preserved architectural plans, the temple was faithfully reconstructed in 1955 and remains a stunning tribute to its original design.

Temple Highlights & Garden Features

Each floor of the three-story Golden Pavilion showcases a distinct architectural style:

• First Floor (Shinden-zukuri): Modeled after Heian-period palace architecture. This floor features white plaster walls and wooden pillars. Inside are statues of the historical Buddha and Yoshimitsu himself—visible from across the pond.
• Second Floor (Buke-zukuri): Covered entirely in gold leaf, this samurai-style level houses a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by the Four Heavenly Kings (not viewable to the public).
• Third Floor (Karayō): Built in Chinese Zen temple style and gilded both inside and out. A golden phoenix perches atop the roof, watching over the grounds.
• Kyōkochi Pond (Mirror Pond): Surrounds the temple, creating breathtaking reflections, especially in autumn and winter. Small islands and pine trees add visual balance and symbolic meaning.

Kinkaku-ji is part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” a UNESCO World Heritage designation since 1994.

How to Get There

Kinkaku-ji is located in the northwestern part of Kyoto. Access is straightforward via public transportation.
• 🚌 From Kyoto Station: Take City Bus #101 or #205 to Kinkaku-ji-michi stop (~40 minutes)
• 🚶 Walk 5 minutes to the temple entrance
• 🚉 Alternatively, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaōji Station, then transfer to a bus

Q&A – Kinkaku-ji Travel Tips

Guest Experience & Recommended Tours

“Visiting Kinkaku-ji in late November was unforgettable. The reflection of the gold pavilion on the water, framed by red and orange leaves, looked like a painting. Our private guide helped us understand its cultural context—we even compared it with Ginkaku-ji during the same tour!”
— Sophie, UK

“Our Kyoto group tour stopped at Kinkaku-ji, and I’m so glad it did. We had time to walk the garden path slowly, enjoy the tea house, and learn about the meaning behind each floor’s design. The view from across the pond is something I’ll never forget.”
— Marcus, Australia

Recommended Tours

・The Best of Japan Pop Culture Tour Package 10 Days
・The Best of Japan Private Tour Package 7 Days
・8-Day Small Group Tour Golden Route Japan in Cherry Blossoms Season

Visitor Info – Kinkaku-ji Temple

• Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closes at 4:30 PM in winter)
• Admission: ¥500 (adults), ¥300 (students)
• Official Website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/kinkakuji/