Kinkaku-ji Tours
Looking for a tour to Kinkakuji? Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion is a Zen temple located in northern Kyoto. It is one of the most famous temples in Japan and a must-see attraction in Kyoto. The structure is built overlooking a large mirror pond, with the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. There is a path that leads around the pond, offering great views and photo spots to take beautiful pictures of the temple.
What to See in Golden Pavilion
The purpose of the building was to serve for the retirement of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a residence. After his death, it was converted into a Zen temple which was then burned down in 1950 but rebuilt in 1955 as the present structure continuing to function as a storehouse of sacred relics. Each story of the structure was built in a different architectural style. The first floor is built with natural wood pillars and white plaster walls in the Shinden style used for palace buildings, with statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu which can be viewed from across the pond.
The second floor seats the Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, which cannot be seen by the public. The third and last floor is built like a Chinese Zen Hall capped with a golden phoenix. After viewing the Golden Pavilion, visitors pass by the former living quarters of the head priest and through a garden takes you to the Sekkatei Teahouse.
How to Get to Golden Pavilion
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Entrance Ticket: 400 Yen
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361
Duration: 1-2 hours
Looking for a tour to Kinkakuji? Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion is a Zen temple located in northern Kyoto. It is one of the most famous temples in Japan and a must-see attraction in Kyoto. The structure is built overlooking a large mirror pond, with the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. There is a path that leads around the pond, offering great views and photo spots to take beautiful pictures of the temple.
What to See in Golden Pavilion
The purpose of the building was to serve for the retirement of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a residence. After his death, it was converted into a Zen temple which was then burned down in 1950 but rebuilt in 1955 as the present structure continuing to function as a storehouse of sacred relics. Each story of the structure was built in a different architectural style. The first floor is built with natural wood pillars and white plaster walls in the Shinden style used for palace buildings, with statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu which can be viewed from across the pond.
The second floor seats the Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, which cannot be seen by the public. The third and last floor is built like a Chinese Zen Hall capped with a golden phoenix. After viewing the Golden Pavilion, visitors pass by the former living quarters of the head priest and through a garden takes you to the Sekkatei Teahouse.
How to Get to Golden Pavilion
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Entrance Ticket: 400 Yen
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361
Duration: 1-2 hours
Kinkaku-ji Tours
As a reliable Japan tour operator, we provide private transfers and tours to Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto for travelers. Whether you are looking for a short Golden Pavilion tour or a private chauffeur, you can easily find the most suitable one at an affordable price. Contact our representatives to book our Japan group tours and Kyoto Private Chauffeurs.Related Articles You May Like
Most Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the significance behind the Golden Pavilions?The Golden Pavilion is well known as a golden temple which used to worship the Buddhist bone relic. The temple was originally built by the Muromachi Shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and was later transformed into today's Golden Pavilion.
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What is the best time to visit the Golden Pavilion without a large crowd?The temple usually has the least visitors in early morning right after it opens or near the closing time of the day. The staffs can tell you where the best spot is to capture a shot of the gorgeous temple reflecting on the lake.
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What are other places to visit near the Golden Pavilions?Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: the district where the nobles used to lived during the Edo period.
Higashiyama Jisho-ji: A influential zen temple during the Muromachi period.
Kitano Tenmangu: a revered Shinto shrine.
Ryoan-ji: a traditional temple known for its scenic garden. -
How long does it take to get to Golden Pavilion from Kyoto Station by bus?At the Kyoto Station, take the San'in Main Line and get off at the Emmachi Station. Walk for 2 minutes to the Nishinokyo Enmachi, where you can take the 205 bus to Kinugasako mae. The Golden Pavilion is about 300m from the bus stop. The whole trip takes about 25 minutes, but the San'in Main Line comes only once in about 20 minutes.
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Does your Join-In group tour include a visit to the Golden Pavilions?Several of our group tours visit the Golden Pavilions. However, Higashiyama Jisho-ji is not included. Please refer to our website on itineraries details.
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