Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
About the Kinkakuji Temple
The Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is also referred to as the “Golden Pavilion.” The temple is one of the most famous and visited sites in Kyoto even though it is a replica of the original temple.
The original temple was built in 1397 when it served as a villa to a wealthy Japanese nobleman. After the noblemen died inside the villa, it was converted to a temple by his son.
During the Onin War of 1467, the entire complex was destroyed except for the Golden Pavilion. In 1950, the temple burned to the ground as a result of an act of arson. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955 and is believed to be slightly more modern-looking than the original.
The temple is three stories tall, with the top two stories being covered in pure gold leaf. Each floor has a unique type of architecture incorporating the styles of shinden, samurai, and zen.
Kinkakuji Temple - Table of Contents
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How to get to the Kinkakuji Temple
Visiting the Kinkakuji Temple
After entering the park, there is a brief walk past the Hojo (priest’s living quarters) to the lake and garden area. The Golden Pavilion is located on the far side of the lake and can be seem from different angles. There are additional paths that I did not choose to take due to a lack of time.
Make sure that you get a close view of the Golden Pavilion. The wooden platform in front of the pavilion is a fishing deck.
Before the Golden Pavilion came into view I walked by the Hojo. The Hojo is the priests living quarters.
Located near the Hojo is a bell. The bell is a traditional temple bell which is rung by a wooden log. Throughout the lake there are gardens and rocks on many of the islands. The White Snake Pagoda is on one of the islands. Legend has it that a white snake once protected the lands.
Towards the end of the path there are Buddhist effigies that resemble a wishing well. I threw a few coins towards the opening in the center and made a wish.
Kinkakuji Tours and Packages
If you are interested in viewing the Kikakuji Temple as part of a tour I have linked two tour packages below. Both of these packages feature the Kikaku-ji Temple as part of a day tour of Kyoto. Please note, that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase a tour package using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of May 2023.
 Kyoto Morning Tour: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle - $59.20 Soak up temple and palace sights on this half-day guided city tour, great for those who want to see Kyoto’s top attractions in a short time. Travel by coach in the morning and visit UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle and the gold-covered Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) with an informative guide. Then wander through the Kyoto Imperial Palace — home to the emperor until 1868 — and see how royalty lived. |
 Kyoto Highlights Private Tour: Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, & Kiyomizudera - $186.01 Explore the famous temples and shrines of Kyoto and learn about the history of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan in your very own private guided tour. See Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto famous for it’s stunning gold leaf covered exterior. Step back in time as you walk through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Discover the breathtaking views of Kiyomizudera Temple. Learn about the history of Kyoto and the lives and beliefs of the local people. Explore the spiritual side of Japan and book your TripleLights Kyoto private tour today. |
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