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Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan
+81 75-461-0013
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Ranked #2 of 317 attractions in Kyoto
Type: Religious Sites
Owner description: One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was... more » Owner description: One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion. « less
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Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

It is was out of the way from where we stayed near Tofokuji Station JR. We thought that we chose the most important and must see temples and shrines we can see in 5 days. Of course it is impossible to know until after the visit as to what is really worth our time. This place was busy, overcrowded and... More

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See 4 more reviews by luv2truv3l for Kyoto
Great Britain
Top Contributor
137 reviews 137 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 91 cities Reviews in 91 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Beautiful gardens, temples and some great opportunities for super photos! A Disadvantage is that it seems that the rest of Japan found the Pavilion at the same time we did!

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Sydney
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

I joined the Sunrise Tour (booked through JAPANiCAN) which included Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Imperial Place, Nijo Castle ... the tour may be a bit fast paced (too fast for the elderly) but worth going on.

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See 2 more reviews by Luveely for Kyoto
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

We saw the Golden Pavillion as part of the Kyoto and Nara one day tour. Great to see and wonderful gardens. Highly recommend.

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See 4 more reviews by gen3ute for Kyoto
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

I loved this temple. We rode the bus here and was an easy walk to the temple. Bring your camera. Was so beautiful on a sunny day! The grounds were gorgeous. Make sure to buy some chocolate mochi on way out - the best!

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See 2 more reviews by lindsayj for Kyoto
singapore
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

Went there with my KyotoFreeGuide, Hideko-san. It is towards the northern area of Kyoto and is about 40mins by bus with traffic. There are a few buses that go there and we took bus no. 12. Please remember to alight at Kinkaku-ji MAE which means infront of the Kinkaku-ji since there are two bus stops. Refer to the may and... More

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See 6 more reviews by catteaa for Kyoto
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW via mobile

One of the must see! The scenery of gold-plated temple can't be replaced with other attractions in Kyoto. 2nd time to there but never get bored. Always excited to see it and loce the scenario. ....

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See 3 more reviews by HeinT for Kyoto
Worcester, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
82 reviews 82 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

Off the beaten track and maybe not worth the trak across town. Like many of Kyoto's sights this is over-touristy and can be easily done in 40-50 minutes.

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See 3 more reviews by mijb for Kyoto
Singapore
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106 reviews 106 reviews
78 attraction reviews
Reviews in 47 cities Reviews in 47 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

The only attractive place here is the Golden Temple, since visitors are not allowed inside they are just squeezing around the lake to take magnificent view of the temple. Aside from this there is really not much, I enjoyed more in food tasting - take food samplings on the way back.

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See 3 more reviews by Olegna81 for Kyoto
istanbul
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60 reviews 60 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

The view of the Shrine beside the lake is just incredible.OK is just one shrine,it take only few couple of minutes for visiting,but it makes you fell happy.Also Ryoanji is close to here to see zen garden.

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See 5 more reviews by haticeg for Kyoto

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