Visiting Kinkakuji today
- 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.
Best timeGood any time of year
Checked against: Kinkakuji (japan-guide.com) · Kinkakuji Temple (Japan Travel). Check opening times and prices before you go.
Kinkakuji on Shibuya246
Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.
