Kinkakuji Temple

  • Location: No. 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
  • Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (January 1st - December 31st,  Monday - Sunday)
  • Entrance fee: 400 yen for adults, 300 yen for children
  • Tel: +81-75-461-0013
  • Internet site: http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/k_access.html

Kinkaku-ji temple

Kinkaku-ji temple, literally "Temple of the Golden Pavilion", officially named Rokuon-ji, is a Bouddhist temple in Kyoto. The entire building wall is covered with gold, so it is called the Golden Pavilion Temple in the world. In addition to being a well-known tourist attraction, Luyuan Temple has also been designated as a national treasure by the Japanese government. In 1994, it was designated as a major historical building of the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO as part of the “Historic Site of Ancient Kyoto”.

As the ancient capital of Japan, ancient Japanese architecture can be seen everywhere in Kyoto, and the Kinkakuji Temple is the leader. Different from the quaint and hazy beauty of the Japanese-style courtyard buildings, the splendid and gorgeous of the Kinkakuji Temple is unique. The Kinkakuji Temple has also become a symbol of Kyoto.

 

Kinkakuji temple history

The official name of the Kinkakuji Temple is Rokuon-ji. The Kinkakuji Temple was built in 1397 and was originally the courtyard of the general Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Later, it has been changed to a temple. The entire building wall is covered with gold, so it is also called the Golden Pavilion Temple.

But in 1950, Golden Pavilion Temple was burned because a young monk burned himself in the temple. The current Kinkakuji temple was rebuilt in 1955. If you are interested in this history, you can read Yukio Mishima's novel "olden Pavilion Temple" to learn about this history.

 

How to visit Golden Pavilion Temple?

The Golden Pavilion is a three-storey wooden building, and the exterior of the second and third floors is decorated with gold. The top two stories of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf. The second floor is dedicated to Kannon. The third floor is a square Buddhist temple dedicated to three Amitabha Buddhas.

The architecture of the Kinkakuji Temple is integrated with the garden structure. The mirror lake is clear, and the gorgeous golden pavilion reflected in the mirror lake is a representative landscape of Kyoto.

The characteristic of Kinkakuji Temple: Visitors do not get tickets for admission but a note with blessings. In addition, there is Chinese and Korean sign for divination next to the inactive hall in the courtyard. In addition, you can also buy some matcha desserts in the small tea room to taste. It tastes great.

 

When is the best time to visit Golden pavilion in Kyoto?

Season of spring and autumn are the peak tourist season of the Kinkakuji Temple. But in fact, the scenery here is different beauty in different seasons. Whether it is the red maple leaf in late autumn or the white snow in winter, it is fascinating to reflect the chic of the Golden Pavilion.

It is said that the best viewing time of the Kinkakuji Temple is when the sun sets in the evening. At that time, the sun shines on the gold body of the Kinkakuji Temple and is reflected on the lake surface, which is particularly dazzling.

 

How to get to Golden pavilion in Kyoto?

Take Kyoto City Bus No.12, No.59 and Special 59 Road, get off at Kinkakuji Station.

At the bus terminal of JR Kyoto Station, take bus No.101, No.102, No.204 and No.205, get off at Kinkakuji Station.

 

Tips for visiting Golden pavilion in Kyoto

a. If you want to avoid crowds, you can choose to go to the park when the park opens in the morning or when park are going to be closed in the afternoon. If the weather is good, the scenery in the morning and in the evening is the most beautiful moment of the Kinkakuji Temple.

b. The Kinkakuji Garden is small, but there are many tourists waiting to take pictures. It is recommended to arrange your time reasonably.

c. You can also take a tour of nearby attractions by bus:

  • Take 101 bus, you can go to Nijo Castle and Ginkakuji Temple.
  • Take 102 bus, you can go to Shimogamo Shrine.
  • Take 205 bus, you can go to Shimogamo Shrine and Honganji Temple.

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