Guide to Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion Temple) in Kyoto, Japan
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: June 14, 2025
Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple located in northern Kyoto. Known as the “Golden Pavilion” because of its striking exterior covered in pure gold leaf on the top two floors of the three-story structure. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, designed as a place of luxury, nature appreciation, and Buddhist practice – after his death, it was converted to a Zen temple. Visitors cannot enter the building itself, it’s strictly viewed from the outside from various angles along a designated walking path. Given the temple’s vast size, planning ahead is essential to making the most of your visit. This travel guide highlights essential information, including the temple’s hours of operation and what you can expect during your visit.
General Information for Golden Pavilion Temple
The Golden Pavilion is open everyday from 9:00am – 5:00pm. To enter the temple, you can purchase a ticket at the Ticket Office on the day of your visit. Please note that only cash is accepted—credit cards are not accepted.
| Ticket Types | Admission |
|---|---|
| General | 500 Yen |
| Primary and Middle School Students | 300 Yen |
Time Needed: 1 hour
Location: The temple is a 10-minute drive from Kuramanguchi Station, so consider taking the bus. Use this link to view the location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a5o6oSuouqPbuNBn9
Transportation: Visit the official site for more information on how to get there via bus from Shokoku-ji or Ginkaku-ji temples.
Best Time to Visit
Time during the day
The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the crowds are smaller and the lighting is perfect for photos. To enjoy a more peaceful experience, try to avoid weekends and Japanese public holidays, as these times tend to be especially crowded.
Seasons
Season-wise, the most scenic times are mid to late November, when the autumn foliage is at its peak, and late December to early February, when a fresh snowfall can create a stunning contrast against the golden pavilion.
Note: We visited in the mid-afternoon on a Monday in mid-November, and it was very crowded. It took several minutes just to get a clear photo of the pavilion without crowds in the background.
What to expect at the Golden Pavilion Temple
After purchasing your ticket, follow the entrance path to your first stunning view of the Golden Pavilion reflected in the Mirror Pond – a perfect spot for photos.
From there, continue along the pathway through a traditional Japanese garden featuring stone bridges, pine trees, and small shrines.
Shrine
One highlight along the way is a shrine dedicated to Fudo Myoo, where you can test your luck by tossing a coin into the basin for good fortune.
Sekkatei (Old Tea House)
As you climb the mountain path past Anmin-taku, you will reach Sekkatei (Old Tea House). This tea room is famous for its nandina bamboo alcove posts and bush clover shelves. During the Edo period, Horin Josho was instructed to make the Tea House by the tea ceremonialist Kanamori Sowa for the Emperor Go-Mizu-no-O, creator of the Shugaku-in Imperial Villa.
Fudodo Hall
Continuing along the path, you’ll find Fudodo Hall, where many visitors pause to pray or ring the temple bell.
Other places to visit
In addition to exploring the historic temple and its scenic grounds, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including public restrooms, a souvenir shop with charms, scrolls, and Kinkaku-ji-themed items, and a tranquil tea garden serving matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
Enjoy Your Time in Japan
Japan offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and museums, making it an incredible destination to explore. I hope these tips help you make the most of your experience at the Golden Pavilion Temple. Feel free to drop a comment and share your thoughts!
If you’re looking for a place to eat after your visit, I highly recommend this authentic soba noodle shop, just an eight-minute walk from the temple. We had an unforgettable meal of fresh, delicious soba noodles while sitting on traditional tatami mats — a truly memorable and authentic dining experience.
For more travel inspiration, check out our related posts on additional must-visit attractions in Japan!
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