Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
About
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.
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The area
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Neighborhood: Northern Kyoto
Hot springs and historic temples characterize the leafy landscapes of Northern Kyoto. Acres of tranquil residential streets are interrupted by some of Kyoto's most gorgeous architectural gems, including the majestic Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji, the serene artistry of the Ryoanji Temple rock gardens, and the bold red paint across the structures of Enryakuji Temple. Once a religious core of the city, the district now boasts some of its most remote and peaceful hot springs, as well as a few of its best family-run mom-and-pop restaurants. A blend of extremely local at its outskirts, and highly peopled at its tourist centers, Northern Kyoto nonetheless retains a halcyon air in harmony with nature.
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See what travelers are saying
- Joanne DDurham, North Carolina67 contributionsBeautiful, unique.I was hesitant to visit this temple because we only had 2 days in Kyoto and there are so many temples. But it’s very beautiful and striking. Lots of people stop and get a photo when you first view the temple. Walk around there are other spots to get a photo. The grounds are lovely too.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 21, 2023
- Andy FDevizes, United Kingdom1,277 contributionsVery PhotogenicLovely place to visit. The sparkling gold-leaf of the pavilion building set agaist the trees and the carp-filled lake is beautiful & great for photographers. There's basically one way around the grounds that takes you past & through everything. Shops, toilets etc.Written September 29, 2023
- loulou089447 contributionsTop of the list.We got here really early at opening time. I think the ideal time would have been 10 am. Not many individuals but so many school children……..hundreds! They were all very well behaved though. So viewing without crowds is a problem . This temple is a must. Very majestic surrounded by a pond full of huge carp. So one goes with the flow and walks around the temple and it’s done in about an hour.Written October 24, 2023
- Norm the NomadAustralia1,245 contributionsFantastic to see - but be prepared for the crowds.Another ‘must see’ when visiting Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji is an iconic, gold-leaf covered temple. Impressive, plus surrounding gardens. All built for a past Shogun who apparently decided to retire there. Very serene.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 25, 2023
- Juande MorenoProvince of Seville, Spain335 contributionsIconic placeThis temple stands up within the many marvelous ones Kyoto has. It’s the easiest one to recognize and remember. A bit far from the central part of town, but certainly worth taking the 50-minute long bus from the train station. Crowded but still pleasant to walk byVisited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 26, 2023
- Peter KRyde, Australia520 contributionsInteresting pavilion in beautiful surroundingsBeautiful gardens lend themselves to a nice walk amongst the crowds an school kids. Walking is easy and the pavilion is pretty spectacular in the full sun. It is somewhere you should visit if only for the local cultural significance. Just remember to be polite and wait your turn.Written October 26, 2023
- Everywhere is on the list…Amsterdam, The Netherlands851 contributionsGolden ;-)A lovely, slow, one way, flat walk around stunningly manicured gardens. Not over crowded although a lot of school kids! Breathtaking to see the pavilion and lots of photo opportunities. Definitely worth seeing if you have a couple of hours to spare.Written October 28, 2023
- Everywhere is on the list…Amsterdam, The Netherlands851 contributionsThe Golden PavilionA beautiful walk around breathtaking gardens. Very well maintained and the walk is one way, meandering and flat. Whilst there are a lot of tourists, it doesn’t feel over crowded. The MANY school kids made it a bit noisy and hard to take a photo, fortunately there are quite a few opportunities. Definitely worth visiting If you have an hour to spare.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Chuck HNew York City, New York151 contributionsBusy, Beautiful and Brilliant the Golden Pavilion.You can not visit Kyoto without visiting Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) in the stunning shine of the late morning sun. It is very busy here with large tour groups and groups of school kid’s. Probably better to arrive in the early morning. We arrived around noon and the sun glistened off of the two beautiful gold leaf floors and the stunning golden Phoenix that adorned the top of the temple. There are some stairs but very manageable. Even though it was busy, we got some beautiful unobstructed photos. Gaze in awe.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 3, 2023
- Merlene NCape Town, South Africa200 contributionsKinkakuji Temple is definitely worth a visit.This golden Zen Buddhist temple is absolutely beautiful and one of the top things to do in Kyoto however it is a very busy tourist attraction making photo opportunities challenging. It is best to go as early as possible - before 09.00. Definitely worth a visit for the serene atmosphere and scenic walk.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 13, 2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
17,344 reviews
Excellent
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Poor
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Terrible
81
DreamerDisha
Bengaluru, India237 contributions
Jan 2020
The place was overcrowded with tourists. Our guide told us about the history of the temple and how one of its patron had infact once burnt it down out of jealousy. It seemed all people wanted to take away from this place was an instagram photo and the crowd was quite distracting. Suggest go in the early morning time ; on a sunny day to see the gold reflection and preferably in blossom season.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kerry_hulton
London, UK167 contributions
Feb 2020
It cost about 400 Yen per person to go in, the golden temple is nice to look at and great for photos. It is a small place to walk round and it only took us about 10 minutes to view the temple and walk around the grounds. It is nice to look at but if you have to go out of your way I wouldn't recommend as it only takes 10 minutes of your time.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HPLIM
JOHOR BAHRU747 contributions
Dec 2019
From Kyoto bus Station, we took the city bus to Kinkakuji Temple (金阁寺) or better known as the Golden Pagoda. Japan is full of temples and shrines. But this one looks a bit unique. The top two floors are completely covered with gold leaves. It is a Zen temple. Here you can take some mirror image of the temple as it was built on a pond. Visitors are not allowed to enter the golden pagoda. The temple’s garden is not very big. There are few other spots of interest including the Anmintaku Pond which is said to never dry up with some statues in it. Visitors often throw coins to seek for good luck and fortune. The Kinkakuji temple is a popular destination for tourists to take pictures. Many visitors come here to seek for good health and prosperity. It is also listed as a Unesco World Heritage. Entrance fee is ¥400.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hei_po_po
Singapore, Singapore93 contributions
Mar 2020
Its part of a packaged tour for our day trip so transport was really easy.
When I got there, loads of people were taking photos at the same spots to get a good view of the reflection of the lake.
But the templ itself - nothing amazing. It looks like any newly constructed temple and you cannot even enter the temple. You are only allowed to walk on the pathway.
Well, I would give this a miss knowing that Kyoto has many other temples for viewing.
When I got there, loads of people were taking photos at the same spots to get a good view of the reflection of the lake.
But the templ itself - nothing amazing. It looks like any newly constructed temple and you cannot even enter the temple. You are only allowed to walk on the pathway.
Well, I would give this a miss knowing that Kyoto has many other temples for viewing.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piotr S
Krakow, Poland236 contributions
Mar 2020
One of the most famous views in Kyoto and in the whole Japan. Golden Pavillon built in the end of the XIV century and burnt a few times (and reconstructed in detail every time after burning). Localized on the island with no access for visitors (nevertheless). Although covered by gold, it perfectly fits the surrounding landscape. I saw it in spring and autumn and really would like to see it again in winter.
In the building near exit from the complex it is possible to drink traditional japanese tea with a small cake, both prepared by local monks.Worth to try.
In the building near exit from the complex it is possible to drink traditional japanese tea with a small cake, both prepared by local monks.Worth to try.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip in Oxford
Oxford, UK431 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The problem with the Golden Pavilion is that it is the Golden Pavilion. It’s downfall is its popularity.
Yes the building is impressive and beautiful and it’s in a lovely garden. The negatives are that it’s is so popular that the number of people just remove the Zen like experience you may be looking for.
The building itself is a recreation of the original as a schizophrenic monk burnt the temple down in 1950. It doesn’t detract from the experience as the place is about more than the temple. However you will be constantly surrounded with the Instagram crowd trying to get the photo to get the likes.
In addition the whole site has been renovated in preparation for the visitors from the Olympics and you are now much more controlled in your route and rather than wondering around the grounds you find yourself in a retail area and the exit before you start. The entrance fee isn’t that high however.
If you want the genuine experience then the Silver Pavilion is both original and provides a true Zen experience. However I think if you are in Kyoto you will probable end up doing both!
Yes the building is impressive and beautiful and it’s in a lovely garden. The negatives are that it’s is so popular that the number of people just remove the Zen like experience you may be looking for.
The building itself is a recreation of the original as a schizophrenic monk burnt the temple down in 1950. It doesn’t detract from the experience as the place is about more than the temple. However you will be constantly surrounded with the Instagram crowd trying to get the photo to get the likes.
In addition the whole site has been renovated in preparation for the visitors from the Olympics and you are now much more controlled in your route and rather than wondering around the grounds you find yourself in a retail area and the exit before you start. The entrance fee isn’t that high however.
If you want the genuine experience then the Silver Pavilion is both original and provides a true Zen experience. However I think if you are in Kyoto you will probable end up doing both!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,468 contributions
Apr 2019
Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Kyoto who’s top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. It was formerly known as Rokuonji. It was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death it became a Zen temple.
Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War that destroyed much of Kyoto. We learned that is was burned down in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatical monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955 and looks beautiful. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
We learned that when it was last rebuilt, it was true to the original except for a significant enhancement: both upper stories are covered in gold leaf, in accordance with Ashikaga's original intentions. In 1987, the temple was re-covered in gold leaf five times thicker than the original coating.
It is simply stunning and people were lined up all around the building trying to either take selfies or group shots. It's quite the photo stop.
If you look closely, there is a golden Chinese phoenix on the top of the pavilion. Try to get a closeup.
Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War that destroyed much of Kyoto. We learned that is was burned down in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatical monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955 and looks beautiful. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
We learned that when it was last rebuilt, it was true to the original except for a significant enhancement: both upper stories are covered in gold leaf, in accordance with Ashikaga's original intentions. In 1987, the temple was re-covered in gold leaf five times thicker than the original coating.
It is simply stunning and people were lined up all around the building trying to either take selfies or group shots. It's quite the photo stop.
If you look closely, there is a golden Chinese phoenix on the top of the pavilion. Try to get a closeup.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany7,191 contributions
Nov 2019
Kyoto for itself already is one of the world's wonders and the Kinkaki-ji temple one of the most marvellous sights within it. The entire experience is of course dulled down by the hordes of tourists, but who am I to judge. We didn't go there too early in the opening hours, which might actually work to some advantage sight-wise, but I can hardly imagine this place ever to be quiet and tranquil. All of the criticism in mind, is there a good reason for the pilgrimage. The pavillon is a wonderous sight to behold and the entire area meticulously kept, peaceful and in harmony with nature. This, by the way, is one of the aspects I cherish most in the Japanese.
Written June 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shamza21
Johannesburg, South Africa86 contributions
Sep 2019
This temple is really beautiful to look at but:
- pictures make it look bigger than it is
- you are paying 400 yen to literally follow a really crowded pathway, try to find a gap to take a picture and then get herded along the path to the exit.
We spent more time in the entrance queue than around the temple itself.
If you are in the area, then you should do it but if you need to travel and plan to get there (we had to catch 2 buses to get here), then it is not worth the fuss.
- pictures make it look bigger than it is
- you are paying 400 yen to literally follow a really crowded pathway, try to find a gap to take a picture and then get herded along the path to the exit.
We spent more time in the entrance queue than around the temple itself.
If you are in the area, then you should do it but if you need to travel and plan to get there (we had to catch 2 buses to get here), then it is not worth the fuss.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnandlizb
Leamington Spa, UK989 contributions
Feb 2020
This is an amazing thing to view, especially on a sunny day when the sun reflects off the gold, as it was when we visited. The temple is stunning and the surroundings are very pretty and well kept. It is a very busy place and it is well organised as visitors are first directed to a good viewing spot where you can take photos so that people don't block paths later on.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si paga un biglietto per l'accesso? Conviene farlo dall'Italia per saltare le file???
Written June 23, 2024
No need to buy it online. Very large area and no queues due to efficient ticketsales
Written June 28, 2024
Hi, is the Kinkakuji Temple open on 1st January 2020?
Written December 10, 2019
I don’t know but if you are in a hotel they can search and let you know
Written December 27, 2019
Will they allow a backpack inside the premises? If not, are there places to store a backpack nearby (like the station, etc)? Thank you.
Written December 7, 2019
Honest opinion required. I have 2 days in Kyoto, and from what I'm reading the temple is good for it's gardens and pictures. So am I really missing out on the experience if I don't visit here? I have been to the Golden Temple in India and that is an actual experience where you can feel the spiritual power.
Written September 24, 2019
We saw a lot of temples - probably too many - but this one was pretty unique because it’s golden. In retrospect, we could’ve skipped several temples, including this one, however, I’m glad we did visit it.
Written November 9, 2019
What is the best time of day to visit the Temple - preferably when there are less people?
Written June 12, 2019
Yes a good time. Mid week and before lunch is my best suggestion . Enjoy
Written July 10, 2019
what is the best way to get to Tempre from Nijo Castle in Bus?
Written April 12, 2019
Purtoppo non ricordo il numero del bus utilizzato, ne abbiamo presi tanti in quei giorni, posso però dirti che usando L app di Google e digitando la destinazione siamo arrivati ovunque!
Mi dispiace non esserti stata più utile!
Written April 24, 2019
Il biglietto di ingresso si prende direttamente li ? C'è molta coda per fare il biglietto ?
Written February 22, 2019
Si il biglietto si acquista direttamente lì, la fila se ci fosse è sempre molto scorrevole..come sempre in giappone
Written February 23, 2019
How to get to Kinkakuji Temple?
Written February 9, 2019
Depending on where you are staying, the best idea would be to use Apple/Google Maps. they both have all of the public transport information for Kyoto including the cost of fares.
Written February 9, 2019
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