Kinkakuji

Shibuya246 · 21 June 2012 · 1 min read · 2,105 views

Yesterday I visited Kinkakuji after the rain from the typhoon. The pond was a bit murky, but the gold was glittering.

Visiting today · Kyoto, Kansai

Visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kita, Kyoto today

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027

Added by Shibuya246, separate from the original post above. Facts are checked every quarter against the sources below. Check opening times and prices before you go.

What it is: The gold-leaf pavilion of Rokuon-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple. It began as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and became a temple after his death in 1408.
Getting there: From Kyoto Station, city bus 205 runs direct in about 40 minutes (¥230). Often quicker: the Karasuma subway line to Kitaoji (about 15 minutes, ¥260), then bus 204 or 205 for about 10 minutes.
Hours: 9:00-17:00 daily, with no regular closing days.
Admission: ¥500. Most visits take 15-45 minutes.
Tip: You cannot go inside the pavilion. Matcha and sweets are served at the tea garden near the exit.

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Sources: Kinkakuji (japan-guide.com) · Kinkakuji Temple (Japan Travel)

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