Kinkaku-ji Temple (official name: Rokuon-ji Temple) is one of Kyoto's most famous World Heritage Sites, famous for the spectacle of its gold-leaf-covered Shariden Hall reflected in the Kyokochi Pond. This temple, built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, is a symbol of "Japanese beauty" for tourists, and as it shows different faces with each season, it is also a perennial favorite with foreign travelers.
Highlights
- The Shariden Hall glittering with gold leaf and its reflection in the Kyokochi pond
- The beauty of the garden in each season (cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, snowy scenery)
- Tea ceremony venues, stone pagodas and historical sites in the gardens
access
Approximately 40 minutes by city bus from JR Kyoto Station, get off at Kinkakuji-michi bus stop, or approximately 15 minutes by bus from Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
Estimated stay
The recommended time for viewing the temple and strolling around the garden is about 1 to 2 hours.
Nearby spots
- Ryoanji Temple (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City) – a World Heritage Site famous for its rock garden
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City) — A shrine dedicated to the god of learning
- Ninna-ji Temple (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City) — Highlights include the five-story pagoda and Omuro cherry blossoms
Points to note
The one-way entrance to the temple can get crowded, and you may have to wait in line to take photos, especially during the autumn foliage and snowy seasons. Admission fees and opening hours are subject to change, so please check the official website in advance.
