Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji Temple) — Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

The official name of Kinkaku-ji Temple is Rokuon-ji Temple. It was built in the late 14th century as a mountain villa by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and after his death was converted into a Zen temple (of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, Shokoku-ji school). The exterior walls of the reliquary hall, Kinkaku (Shariden), are covered in pure gold leaf, and the sight of its gold reflected in the Mirror Pond (Kyogo Pond) is extremely famous. Although it was destroyed by arson in 1950, it was rebuilt in its original form in 1955, and continues to attract tourists from both Japan and abroad with its impressive scenery that harmonizes with the beauty of the gardens, which have been preserved from the Edo and Meiji periods to the present day. In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

Highlights

• Kinkakuji (Shariden) — a three-story building with each floor having a different style, the top floor covered in gold leaf. It is characterized by the phoenix statues on the exterior and roof.
• Kyokochi Pond - The reflection of Kinkakuji Temple on the water's surface is a popular photo spot.
• Garden - This strolling garden is designed so that you can enjoy the Golden Pavilion and the pond from various angles. It changes its appearance with each season (fresh greenery, autumn leaves, snowy scenery).
• Viewing points such as Choondo Cave and Sekkatei are dotted around the area, offering the best vantage points for seeing Kinkaku-ji Temple across the pond.
• Treasure Museum (Rokuonji Treasure Museum) - Exhibition of historical documents and art related to the temple (exhibition content is subject to change).

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• From Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto City Bus Route 101 or Route 205 and get off at Kinkakuji-michi, then walk for about 5 to 10 minutes (travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions. The approximate time by bus is about 40 minutes).
• By subway (Karasuma Line): The most common route is to transfer to a city bus from Kitaoji Station or Imadegawa Station. From Kitaoji Station, it is about a 10-15 minute bus ride or a 15 minute taxi ride.
• Taxi: Approximately 20-30 minutes from Kyoto Station (depending on traffic conditions).
• Private car: There is parking on the temple grounds, but the number of spaces is limited and it gets crowded during the tourist season, so we recommend using public transportation.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short tour: 30 minutes to 1 hour (to see all the main sights).
• Leisurely viewing: 1-2 hours (if you take your time to explore the gardens and visit the Treasure Museum).
• If you are also touring the surrounding area: Half a day to a full day (if you are also touring nearby temples such as Ryoanji and Ninnaji).

Nearby spots

• Ryoanji Temple — Famous rock garden. About 10 minutes by car or bus from Kinkakuji Temple.
• Ninnaji Temple - A World Heritage Site, this temple is known for its five-story pagoda and Omuro cherry blossoms.
• Daitokuji Temple - A group of Zen temples with many sub-temples. It is also closely related to the tea ceremony.
• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine — A shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning (about 15 minutes by car).
• The streets and restaurants of Kita Ward, Kyoto City - dotted with traditional Japanese sweet shops and restaurants serving Kyoto cuisine.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: There are many tourists throughout the year. It is especially crowded during the cherry blossom season in spring, the autumn foliage season, Golden Week, and the New Year holidays. It is relatively quiet if you visit early in the morning (right after opening) or in the evening.
• How to view: You cannot enter the inside of Kinkakuji. You can only view it from the walking path outside the garden, so please follow the route.
• Admission fee and opening hours: There is usually an admission fee (around 400 yen for adults) and opening hours (9:00-17:00). We recommend checking the official website in advance for detailed information on fees and opening hours.
• Photography: Photography is permitted, but please be mindful not to disturb other visitors. The use of tripods and drones may be restricted, so please follow local guidelines.
• Clothing and footing: The garden has unpaved areas and steps. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. In winter, there is a risk of freezing, so be careful not to slip.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking: There are areas within the temple grounds where eating, drinking, and smoking are restricted. Please take your trash home or dispose of it in designated areas.

*Please check the official Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji) temple website or Kyoto city tourist information before visiting for the latest opening times, admission fees, transportation information, special viewings, etc.