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Kinkaku-ji Temple

(鹿苑寺 (金閣寺))

Buddhist Temple and Historic and Protected Site

京都市

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Kinkaku-ji Temple

9.3^/10

1,810

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Ranked #6 for Buddhist temples in Kyoto
"This is a beautiful temple, but it has become a tourist trap."(6 Tips)
"Express bus from Kyoto Station and make a 30-40 min stop"(4 Tips)
"IMHO the most beautiful temple in Kyoto."(3 Tips)
"zen temple was originally a villa of a shogun"(3 Tips)

135 Tips and reviews

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CPDecember 5, 2015
This is a beautiful temple, but it has become a tourist trap. Lots of things are being sold around the temple and the amount of tourists disrupts the peace and original intent of the site.
Upvoted 5 days ago
Simple DiscoveriesApril 8, 2016
The famed Golden Temple collects quite the crowds so go early, or if you're a photographer, brave the masses right before closing for better light. Entry closes around 4:30pm. Beautiful!
Upvoted Mar 11
William KanFebruary 9, 2016
It's so grand and beautiful. In fact too beautiful for a temple. It doesn't take long to complete the circle and heading back out. Crowded all the time but do you have a choice?
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
SAugust 18, 2017
Go early (like before 0800) and enjoy the lovely grounds before hoards of tourists descend later in the morning. Or, just before it closes; less crowd & nice light of the pavilion in the sunset!
Road UnraveledJanuary 3, 2020
Beautiful temple and a must-see when visiting Kyoto. Be sure to get your lake photos before continuing up the trail- the path dumps you out the exit and you can’t get back in.
Sedat Ö.April 16, 2018
Golden pavilion is perfect 👍🏼 Take Express bus from Kyoto Station and make a 30-40 min stop in nijoji Castle, and continue to Kinkakuji. Be avare Temple will be closed at 5pm
Haley BMarch 12, 2015
A must visit temple. It is crowded, but you can get great shots as the sun starts to set and the light hits the gold plated pavilion.
Cynthia DrescherMay 28, 2013
The "Golden Pavilion." Much larger pond and lovely photogenic corners here, more so than across town at Ginkaku-ji. Still, can be overrun with tourists during afternoon.
Nansky G.September 13, 2013
Go on a weekday in the afternoon to see the light reflecting off the pavilion, it id spectacular, as was the pavilion's reflection in the surrounding pond.
Steve ZhangJanuary 25, 2015
From Kyoto station take the No.101 or 205 bus to Kinkakuji-michi.From other areas, take a bus to Kinkakuji-michi (large bus stop on bus maps) or Kinkakuji-mae (closer to the temple) 400¥ Entrance fee
Ab TApril 29, 2017
Lovely place but very crowded. The zen temple was originally a villa of a shogun and is covered in gold leaf. An entrance fee is required to get in.
Edwin ShaoDecember 18, 2013
Visit the Golden Pavillion, designated as a National Special Historic Site and National Special Landscape, with 2 floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture ...
MohammadApril 24, 2017
beautiful place. there are a small cafe that offer outside or inside Japanese house. they serve tea and sugar cake . the sugar cake are awesome and you can by more for home. and they expire in 10 days
A HazetNovember 14, 2019
can be accessed from Kyoto Sta. by direct Kyoto City Bus No.101/205 in about 40’ & for 230Y. Formerly known as Rokuanji, zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered by gold #TravelingKyoto
Magdalena MrázkováApril 25, 2016
I can't miss place in Kyoto but be prepared for hordes of people and food/merchandise stalls - one of the most commercial temples in Kyoto
𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚒á𝚗𝚊 ✨November 7, 2019
Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) Temple of the Golden Pavilion 🧘🏼🏯🎋🎍Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto. Coin toss to gain luck and good fortune🙏🏼 💛 favourite place in Japan!
Chloe KhorJune 3, 2017
Beautiful golden temple nicely reflected on the lake. Can come for a quick tour as the golden pagoda is the only highlight here
Ryan BrightOctober 7, 2016
One of the most beautiful and iconic temples in Japan with crowds to prove it. Come early for the most enjoyable visit or late for the best lighting for photos.
Lionel LimMay 31, 2019
Beautiful temple surrounded by a large pond. The water is so still that it projects a reflection of the temple. Unfortunately, this place is filled with tourists and Japanese students.
National Geographic Traveller (UK)February 5, 2015
The stuff that Orientalist architectural fantasies are made of. Its reflection is a magical mirror image in the water it seemingly floats on. The grounds include a 600-year-old bonsai tree. Read more
Lisa BSeptember 21, 2019
One of the best known sites in Japan and one of Kyoto’s must see attractions. The Zen temple’s top two floors are completely covered in brilliant gold leaf.
Valerio FalluccaAugust 16, 2015
IMHO the most beautiful temple in Kyoto. There are hundreds of temple in town, this should be always included in the must see list
Fluying ✅December 7, 2015
Probably not the best but one of he most famous temples. Anyway is a good idea to visit together with Ryoan-ji.
Kees PlattelOctober 16, 2016
Kids might ask you some questions, but in return you'll get origami! The temple is amazing, but very busy!
Hasan BX AXJune 6, 2019
One of Japan’s most iconic buildings, Kinkakuji was built as the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the early 1400s and became a Zen temple after his death.
Su MinOctober 27, 2014
LOTSA tourists ( especially big groups) here & there & everywhere 😔 but it's still great to visit one of the gorgeous world culture heritage sites.
Milad CerkicMay 11, 2017
A bit crowded, but worth a view at golden pavilion surrounded by beautiful nature. Must see
Connie ChiuJuly 9, 2017
The golden pagoda! Super crowded and small area so you can finish the walk in about 30 minutes or so, with the crowd.
Lisa StarbucksApril 3, 2017
It's worth seeing but not worth going to see. The pavilion is really the highlight but as a sole destination not interesting enough after all the other temples and shrines in Kyoto.
Alyssa NgApril 13, 2016
Amazing how one temple made of gold attracted so many to see it. Be early to avoid crowds.
Joachim OoiNovember 12, 2015
A must visit place in Kyoto. Touristy though. Can grab some snacks or ice cream around that area.
Yat Fai OoiMarch 4, 2014
Entrance fee is 300 yen. Come late in the afternoon or during sunset when the golden pavilion reflects the sunlight
juliaAugust 20, 2013
Especially very nice with the green environment..
TerkaCJanuary 28, 2020
Unfortunately it’s a tourist trap. There is one crowded path that goes around the temple and that’s it. You might as well take a look at pictures here or on the internet and save yourself the trip.
Christine HaMarch 2, 2016
Visit if you like temples. A maybe-see. Enjoyed the silver pavilion more. Interesting story behind the rivalry.
Dee GrayJune 7, 2016
The Golden Pavilion, super famous, super beautiful, but less awesome than the Silver Pavilion.
Melissa DuffyJune 13, 2016
Really beautiful temple. Dogs are ok as long as you carry them
flyflyaway ...January 3, 2018
Enjoy a cup of green tea and a gold flaked red bean cake over looking the garden.
Caroline DengJune 14, 2015
Wow, it's stunning. It can get really really crowded around sunset though.
Diana CostaAugust 30, 2015
One of My favourite places in kyoto. Generally crowed but worth the visit. Go early
Dan HarrisonMarch 31, 2016
If you're looking for a way to get rid of your 1 yen coins, there are stone bowls you can toss them at here.
Christine WuNovember 1, 2015
Definitely love the views behind the temple, and also through the gardens!
Juan Pablo Chaves CastroDecember 31, 2014
Nice but a loooot of people just go for the picture. Stay, enjoy, breath the peace on this place.
Julia GrandoMarch 17, 2016
Very pretty, but besides the Golden Temple there is not much around. I got a tasty black sesame ice cream.
Bob 永遠の28歳♪February 8, 2015
I was impressed by Snowy Kinkaku-ji Temple.You can preview current status via a live camera on the following url.http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/k_access.html
Alegría SalvadorOctober 20, 2014
Amazing place, but it would be better without soooooo many people. I won't recommend visiting it :(
Hasan BX AXJune 6, 2019
Due to its popularity it can get extremely busy, so perhaps aim to go just before closing time (17: 00) to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Monica GiambittoNovember 2, 2019
400¥, short walk but the temple is worth it. full of tourists :p
Eefee T.September 25, 2017
Beautiful but crowded and a pain to get to by public transport from Kyoto station.
Eh AufaitJanuary 31, 2016
Admission fee os 400JPY. Enjoy the view surrounding the Pavillon - the scenery really integrates the outside and the inside.

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