Kinkaku-ji
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Kinkaku-ji - by David Klein on Unsplash





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.
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
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:1h 15m
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