Traveler Description
One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.

Address: 1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku
Phone: 075-461-0013

http://www.shokoku-ji.or.jp/english/e_kinkakuji/index.html

Traveler Reviews

Try to go at sunset!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 30, 2008


This is a must see in Kyoto! My friend and I visited the Golden Pavilion near sunset in January 2008. The light reflecting off the pavilion was spectacular, as was the pavilion's reflection in the surrounding pond. The pavilion is on the north western side of town, but is easy to get to by bus. We bought a day bus pass for 500 yen at our hostel, so we caught a bus to the Golden Pavilion after our visit to the Imperial Palace. This was probably one of the most crowded attractions we visited while in Kyoto, but it was worth it. The grounds the pavilion sits on are very beautiful. and nice to walk around in. If you are planning on visiting this attraction, I recommend giving yourself an hour to walk around, and really enjoy it.

Great place to visit
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 28, 2008


This was the first attraction we visited in Japan in July. The temple was beautiful, the place was quiet, probably due to the low season. We went in the morning by Bus 205. The view from the lake is great. I prefer this place than the Kiyomizu dera temple. Though both places are worth to visit.

Awesome experience
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on May 20, 2008


We were able to navigate Kyoto by ourselves using public transportation! We made it to the Golden Pavilion and had a good experience taking it all in. There were a lot of people there, but it was still worth it. Beautiful temple decked in gold. You have to visit here if you are ever in Japan.

Splendid and magnificent
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on May 8, 2008


If you are in Kyoto, you cannot pass up the chance to visit the Golden Pavilion. Originally built as a retirement villa for a notable shogun (warlord), the original structures on this site were built in 1397, but were burnt down several times in the intervening years, most notably due to civil wars in the 15th century. And yes, it is is really golden - the Pavillion is covered with real gold leaf everywhere except the ground floor. The Pavillion houses relics of the Buddha and on its roof is a golden Chinese Phoenix. The present structure was only built in 1955 after the temple was burnt down (again) by a mentally disturbed monk - indeed that incident gave rise to a novel by Yukio Mishima based on that event. The last time I visited the Pavillion, they had just completed major regilding and relaquering and they have recently completed restoration works on the interior and the roof. I was lucky - even though it was an overcast day with grey skies, the lake was absolutely calm and made for fantastic photographs. No trip to Kyoto is complete without seeing the Pavillion. Admission is Y400 and it is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm. (Website [English & Japanese]: [-])

Picturesque
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Apr 9, 2008


The Golden Shrine is on a lake and makes a beautiful postcard picture. I'm not sure if it is because we arrived just before closing but you cannot enter the golden shrine. Just take lots of pictures outside. To me that was worth the ticket entry fee, but if you are more towards exploring inside the shrine, you may not get the chance to. This site gives some practical instructions such as how to get there. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html (FYI bus fares in Kyoto seem to be a flat 220 yen regardless where you board or alight) For a short read on the history etc you can refer to this site. http://www.shokoku-ji.or.jp/english/e_kinkakuji/guide/index.html