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Kinkaku-ji

, Kyoto, Kyoto

Description

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), meaning "Temple of the Golden Pavilion", or Rokuon-ji, is one of Kyoto's best-known Zen Buddhist temples. It was originally built at the end of the 14th century but burned down several times, last in 1955. The centrepiece is a three-storied pavilion covered with pure gold leaves and adopting architectural influences from shinden, samurai, and zen on each floor. It is set next to a pond and surrounded by a landscaped garden designed during the Muromachi period.

Access & Transport

The temple is 4km northwest of the Imperial Palace. There is no metro station close by (the nearest train station is Kitanohakubaicho on the Randen line, 20mins walk away) but there are several bus services stopping at 'Kinkakuji-michi (12, 59, 205, M1, 101, 102, 111). There is a car park on site

Instructions & Recommendations

We would not recommend visiting Kinkaku-ji or perhaps Kiyomizu-dera on the same day as we feel there is some degree of overlap in content.

Meta review

One of the best ranked attractions in Kyoto in travel blogs and online review portals; most of the comments dwell on how gorgeous the main golden pavilion looks with its reflection in the pond. The only real issues are that you will not be alone and it takes time to get there - something to consider if you are limited on that front. That being said, and even with grounds described as 'nice', there are many who think it is a must-see without necessarily tagging it as their favourite temple in Kyoto.

Environmental & Social

Very green complex that preserves the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

This is arguably one of the most iconic temples in all of Japan, but not one of the most interesting - a case of form over substance. So, if you are short on time and your priority is to snap some spectacular pictures this should be on your short-list. Otherwise, recommended for those with at least 3 days in Kyoto

Key positive

Very picturesque main pavilion

Scenic gardens

Key negative

Crowded

A little time consuming to get to

Suitability

Wheelchair users can see the main pavilion but the gardens have several sections with stairs

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday09:00 - 17:00

Thursday09:00 - 17:00

Friday09:00 - 17:00

Saturday09:00 - 17:00

Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥500
Adult
12 - 64
JP¥500
Child
5 - 11
JP¥300
Infant
0 - 4
JP¥0
Uncertain what the age threshold is for "Primary and Middle School Students"

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