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Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Name: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Address: 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a temple by his son. The structure is remarkable for its top two floors, which are covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the pond below.

The pavilion is part of a larger complex that includes beautiful gardens and a serene pond called Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). The garden design is typical of the Muromachi period, focusing on the harmony between structures and the natural surroundings. Visitors often admire the way the pavilion and its reflection seem to blend seamlessly with the landscape.

Kinkaku-ji has faced several challenges over the centuries, including being burned down multiple times, most recently in 1950 by a novice monk. Each time, it has been meticulously rebuilt to maintain its original splendor. Today, it remains one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its beauty and tranquility.

Hours:

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

500 yen (Adults)

300 yen (Student: Grade 1 - 9)

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 75-461-0013

Website

www.shokoku-ji.jp

The area

Address

1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Top ways to experience Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

1 day

Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour (Round-trip from Kyoto)

From $152 /person

8hrs

Explore Kyoto Your Way: An Exclusive Customizable Walking Tour

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Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kyoto City

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What other travelers are saying about Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visited on a weekend in April, and while it was definitely quite crowded with many tourists, the experience was absolutely worth it. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, and despite the large number of people, the beauty and charm of the place really stood out. If you're planning a visit, be prepared for the crowds—but don’t let that deter you. It’s a popular spot for a reason, and I’m so glad I went!

Niki Shah

Apr 22, 2025

Go early! We had been warned of the crowds here so we arrived about 15 minutes prior to the temple opening. A queue had already formed but thankfully, nothing too outrageous. Once opened, we all entered the grounds in an orderly fashion and got to enjoy one of the most famous temples in Japan. The temple was absolutely stunning in the sunlight and with next to no crowds around we were able to get some great photos. When we finally left we saw what we had been warned about. So many buses had arrived and people were piling out of them in hoards, about to enter. I cannot even fathom how they were all going to fit in, let alone what the experience would be like for them but for us, starting early in the day made the experience unforgettable - but in a great way!

Sharyn

Apr 23, 2025

A stunning and incredibly beautiful temple, covered in gold across its three stories. The temple gleams like a golden jewel in the landscape, and it’s fascinating to know that over USD 100 worth of gold leaf has been used in its construction. There’s also a charming traditional tea house nearby that’s well worth a visit. The serene pond surrounding the temple, the perfectly manicured trees, and the harmonious elements of the area make it a truly authentic Japanese experience. Each floor of the temple served a distinct purpose — the ground floor was used by the emperor, the first floor (without windows) is believed to have been used by samurai, and the second floor’s use remains a bit unclear.

Hamid

Apr 18, 2025

Yeah, it gets crowded—but they handle it surprisingly well. The flow of visitors was steady, organized, and never felt chaotic. And honestly? It’s worth it. That first glimpse of the golden pavilion reflected on the water is just unreal—like stepping into a postcard. The garden paths are serene, and the whole place has this polished, almost surreal beauty to it. Even with the popularity, they’ve preserved the peaceful atmosphere. Definitely a must-see in Kyoto.

Brian

Apr 25, 2025

Definitely recommend checking out the golden temple when visiting Kyoto, even if it’s far from where you’re staying. It’s easy to get to the golden temple via city bus from any main station in Kyoto. We went at 4:00 pm, got there at 4:30 pm and it closes at 5:00 pm. Zero line, zero crowd. And golden hour. The sun was perfectly reflecting on the water. Could not recommend a better time to go. You buy tickets when you arrive. It’s in total a 5-10 min loop with a gorgeous view - such a quick and easy site to see.