Kinkaku-ji
Cost
Attractions > Kyoto > Shrines Temples > Kyoto North
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, on a bright sunny day shining in the sunlight
About
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most well known places about Japan around the world. It is a UN World Heritage Site, putting it up there with the Pyramids of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. It is a structure / place that is a symbol of the spirit of man. Not only does it hold religious, spiritual and fascination... it is down right beautiful. There are many that travel from around the world just to visit Kinkaku-ji. It's one thing to see it in a picture... even a thousand times and a totally different to actually be in it's physical presence. If your destination is Kyoto or you have time for a stop, Kinkaku-ji is a "Must See" spot. This is no movie set, it is the real deal... visit, relish and enhance your spirit.
Originally Kinkaku-ji was the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu but then became a Zen Buddhist temple after the shogun's death in 1408. Of course "The Golden Pavilion" is famous for its appearance where the top two floors are covered with gold leaf. The temple itself is the "Main Attraction" but don't forget to take in the surrounding garden too as the garden is well known for it's "classical" Japanese style. The Kinkaju was built to show how extravagant the Kitayama culture during the shogun's time.
Even though the current building is a re-construction of the original (the original was unfortunately burned down by a crazy monk in 1950), it still embellishes the feeling and style of the original (although the original was said to not have been covered in so much gold).
Access
Closest Train Station: Kitanohakubaicho
1 Kinkakujicho
Kyoto, Kyoto 603-8361 Japan
Tel: 075-461-0013
Walk: it's a good 30-40 min. walk from Kitanohakubaicho Station.
Bus: from Kyoto Station, City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes and for 230 yen.
Subway/taxi: Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) then take a taxi (10 minutes, 1000-1200 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 230 yen, bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205) from there to Kinkaku-ji.
Hotels & Lodging
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Kinkaku-ji.
Hours & Fees
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Cost: 15+: 400 yen, under 15: 300 yen
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Kinkaku-ji Homepage
