Kinkaku-ji: reviews, price and practical tips

+30
recos
4.7/5 9 reviews
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, 603-8361 Kyoto, Japan
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, 603-8361 Kyoto, Japan
From 16,500 JPY (~$108)*
Booking recommended
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Pavillon d'Or de Kyoto

Visiting the Golden Pavilion

You cannot claim to have seen the best of Japan without a visit to the Kinkaku-ji, officially known as Rokuon-ji (the Deer Garden Temple). Located in Kyoto, on the island of Honshu, it remains a primary destination for both domestic travelers and international visitors.

History of an iconic landmark

The shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga commissioned the Golden Pavilion in 1397. While it was originally intended as a private villa, his son later converted the site into a Zen Buddhist temple and renamed it Rokuon-ji. The structure has faced significant challenges, most notably when it was set ablaze by a monk in 1950. This event served as the inspiration for the novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima. The temple was reconstructed following original 14th and 15th-century Japanese architectural styles and shines even brighter today. It is now recognized as a Special Historic Site of Japan, a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Delicate and graceful architecture

Whether you visit in summer or winter, the Golden Pavilion stands out for its craftsmanship. The gold-leaf structure consists of three floors, each reflecting a specific style: the ground floor mimics the palaces of the Heian period (794 to 1185), the second floor follows the design of samurai residences, and the third floor mirrors Zen temple architecture. You cannot enter the building, as the space is sacred and houses relics of the Buddha. You can, however, walk the path lined with pine trees that provides clear views of the pavilion. The gardens lead you into the lower mountain slopes, past groves, ponds, and religious statues. They were designed as a miniature representation of the paradise of Amida Buddha. Within the park grounds, the Tea House welcomes visitors looking to pause for a warm drink.

From 16,500 JPY (~$108)*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Kinkaku-ji

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Summary of 9 reviews
4.7/5
Average rating
+30
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.7
As a couple
4.7
With friends
5

Avygeo ranking

#49
in the world
#2
in Asia
#1
in Japan
#1
in Kyoto

Unforgettable splendor and subtlety

I went to Japan when I was 8 years old, but I have an unforgettable memory of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. I was observing the garden while following my parents that day, and I remember seeing the Golden Pavilion at the top of a flight of stairs and being captivated by its beauty. I decided to head down the stairs to catch up with my parents, and as I was walking down, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned around to find a made-up maiko in traditional attire looking at me. I was impressed, turned back to my father who pulled out his camera, and... click-click! The picture of me with an apprentice geisha is still displayed in my home, and that memory is forever associated with the delicate beauty of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto :)

50
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A must for any Mishima fan

Kinkaku-ji was an almost mythical place for me after reading The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima. Seeing it in person was a pretty moving moment. The golden building reflecting in the pond, the pine trees and the garden all around... Everything there is magnificent. There are certainly a lot of visitors, but I understand why this temple has fascinated so many people.

23
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A stunning golden temple

The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is a bit out of the way, in the northwest part of the city. The visit takes 45 minutes maximum. You walk around the pond where the temple covered in gold leaf and topped with a phoenix is located. The gold color reflects in the water. It is even more beautiful with the colors of the tree leaves. It is surely the most beautiful temple in Japan.
This is also where we ate the best okonomiyaki. After the visit, we followed up with a tea ceremony and an onsen to stay in that zen atmosphere.

3
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Must-see and dazzling

Kinkaku-ji embodies refinement and history. It is a pleasure to stroll through the garden and observe the building from every angle. Its reflection in the water is perfect for a beautiful souvenir photo. The only downside is that the place is very touristy. If I had to do it again, I would come early in the morning. I visited in the spring and it is the ideal season (along with autumn) to enjoy it!

2
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The Golden Pavilion, the iconic image of Japan for Westerners

Of course, a visit to the Kinkaku-ji temple, the Golden Pavilion, is a must during a trip to Kyoto. I was lucky enough to visit with very few tourists in the middle of summer (well, lucky if you want to call it that because summer in Japan... you have to be crazy...). So it was a very nice, quiet visit. It is quite a sight to see, and the building is very well maintained. Still, I preferred the Silver Pavilion. Good to know: you can go full tourist mode and take the Sky Hop bus, which will drop you off almost right at the foot of the temple. A small, no-frills traditional cafe sells super good ice cream just a few meters from the entrance.

2
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Way too crowded

It could be a superb place of zen to clear your head and recharge, but the overcrowding and the constant stream of visitors make it more of a tourist attraction than a temple.
Too bad, the pavilion and its surroundings are truly full of charm.

1
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One of the most beautiful Japanese parks

Nestled in a Japanese garden, with its small hills, colorful flower beds, and ponds filled with large Japanese goldfish, the Golden Pavilion is a must-see in Kyoto.
I don't think I have seen a prettier garden in Japan, though it is true that I am far from having visited them all.

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Splendid setting

The Japanese garden surrounding this temple, the pond at its feet, the setting of the golden pavilion is superb to visit. The temple itself is also a must see, from the outside as well as the inside.

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Kyoto's postcard view

By the edge of a lake, in a hilly park decorated in the Japanese style, your first look at this sublime pavilion will impress you.
It is a Buddhist temple that you can visit. Expect to share this visit with many tourists. If you are hoping for a spiritual moment, you might find yourself a bit too crowded.

For the record, since its creation in the 14th century, the temple has burned down several times and has always been rebuilt. So no, the fire at Notre-Dame in Paris does not signal the death of that symbol. The cathedral will always exert its aura for future generations.

2
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