A truly unique and colorful temple in Kyoto, and an absolute must visit. We visited in the early morning before the crowds came and I’m glad we did because this place gets packed quickly, especially on the weekend. Note that this gorgeous golden temple can only be admired from the outside, visitors are not allowed to enter it. Aside from admiring the golden temple, there are some short scenic walks around the area to reach other parts of the temple, but overall it’s not too large. On your way out, don’t forget to grab some matcha ice cream with gold leaf flakes!
A stunning destination in Kyoto! The golden temple reflecting off the pond is truly breathtaking. You don’t need much time — even a 10-minute walk around the grounds is enough to admire its beauty and take great photos. The surrounding nature adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommended for a quick but memorable stop!
This is another iconic temple in Kyoto. This is my first time visiting this place. The main golden pavilion standing tall in the pond. It is an amazing view and you can enjoy taking photos. There are a few other halls which you can visits nearby to pay respect to Buddha images. Truly it is another must visit place in Kyoto.
I visited Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s famous Golden Pavilion, early in the morning—and I’m so glad I did. Arriving just after it opened around 9 AM, the temple grounds were refreshingly calm, with only a few other visitors scattered along the path. It was the perfect time to enjoy the serene beauty of this iconic landmark.
The sight of the temple bathed in soft morning sunlight was absolutely stunning. The golden exterior glowed gently in the light, creating a peaceful reflection across the still surface of the mirror-like pond. With the sound of birds in the background and a cool morning breeze, the atmosphere felt almost otherworldly.
Walking the garden path around the pavilion was a tranquil experience. The early hour meant fewer crowds, allowing me to pause often for photos and reflection. The layout is designed so that you get multiple perspectives of the pavilion as you move through, each just as impressive as the last.
Although you can’t enter the Golden Pavilion itself, the surrounding gardens more than make up for it. Moss-covered stones, gentle waterfalls, and pine trees create a picture-perfect Zen landscape. I also stopped by the small teahouse toward the end of the path for a traditional cup of matcha—peaceful, delicious, and very fitting for the setting.
The site is well-maintained and easy to access by bus or taxi from central Kyoto. Staff were polite and helpful, and signs are available in English.
If you're planning a visit to Kinkaku-ji, I highly recommend going in the morning. The light is softer, the crowds are minimal, and the entire experience feels far more personal and meditative. It’s a truly breathtaking way to start the day in Kyoto.
The gold-covered temple in the middle of the water is a sight to see. I went on a rainy Sunday, and although there were huge crowds, there was plenty of staff managing the flow, so there were no major delays. There was a bit of a wait at the popular photo spots.
Parking, restrooms, and cafés are available on-site.
Tickets can only be purchased at the location and are cash only (¥500).
A must-visit if you’re in Kyoto!
