Kinkakuji Temple – Golden Pavilion In Kyoto, Japan

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One of Japan’s most well-known and iconic sites is Kinkakuji Temple, also referred to as the Golden Pavilion.

I believe this temple is the most beautiful in Japan, despite the many fascinating shrines and historical buildings in the ancient capital of Kyoto.

The top tourist site in Kyoto is a must-see for a reason – it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo there!

This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!

The Historical Background of Kinkaku-ji Temple

Transformation of Kinkaku-ji from a Villa to a Zen Temple

A large part of the pavilion was set on fire by a suicidal monk in the 1950s, causing catastrophic damage. It was restored in 1955 and has been well-maintained since then.

Today, the Golden Pavilion draws numerous tourists from around the globe, and, together with several other historic sites in Kyoto, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring the Kinkaku-ji Temple

The Kinkakuji Temple is a three-story temple covered in gold leaf that overlooks a pond.

Visitors cannot access the pavilion, but that’s fine because the best views are from the outside!

Plan to spend at least 30-60 minutes in this quaint little spot, as you’ll be snapping plenty of photos while you wander.

One of Japan’s most photogenic spots!

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit Kinkakuji is in the morning before the wind starts blowing, as this is when you can observe the reflections on the pond.

It becomes very crowded by midday, particularly during holidays and peak seasons such as autumn.

Kinkaku is not famous for its fall foliage, but you can still catch a glimpse of some vibrant red leaves on a few trees. We visited in mid-November and the colors were at their peak.

Hours of Operation and Admission Prices

Open from 9 AM to 5 PM with an entrance fee of 400¥ (approximately $4).

“Directions for Getting to Your Destination”

The Kinkakuji Temple can be found in the northwest of Kyoto city in Japan.

Regrettably, it is not directly linked to any of the primary train lines, but it is still quite accessible.

You have the option to take a 40 minute bus ride on line 205 or a 20 minute Uber ride from Kyoto Station.

A convenient itinerary for visitors from Osaka involves stopping at Arashiyama station to explore the area’s top attractions before taking a short Uber ride to Kinkakuji.

Top-Rated Sightseeing Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Accommodation options in Kyoto

Our Accommodation

Hotel Mikado in Osaka offers comfortable accommodations for solo travelers or couples at an affordable price of 4,000 Yen ($30 USD). It is a great option for budget-conscious travelers in Japan.

At this rate, we were able to secure a tidy, individual room equipped with heating/cooling, a refrigerator, television, and exceptionally fast internet. The room is slightly compact but cozy, and the bathrooms are shared, which is typical in Japan.

The location couldn’t have been better – only a 2 minute stroll to restaurants and the train stations, and just a 15 minute journey to Osaka Castle and Dotonbori shopping street. We even took day trips to Himeji, Kyoto, and Nara!

Be on the lookout for good deals as prices may change periodically.

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