Kinkakuji temple
Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, stands as one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites.
Originally constructed in 1397 as a retreat for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a profound patron of art and culture, it was later transformed into a Zen temple of the Rinzai school by his son, honoring his father’s wishes after Yoshimitsu’s passing.
This temple’s distinct feature lies in its top two floors, adorned entirely with pure gold leaf, casting a mesmerizing gleam.
Surrounded by an exquisite Japanese garden and a serene pond named Kyoko-chi, translating to “Water Mirror,” Kinkakuji temple exudes tranquility.
Despite enduring several fires over time, notably in 1950 ignited by a zealous monk, the temple you see today is a faithful reconstruction from 1955, faithfully preserving the original design.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Kinkakuji Temple captivates travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Japan’s allure and spirituality. It’s a definite must-visit for any explorer yearning to experience Japan’s beauty firsthand.
Access
Reaching the temple offers various public transportation routes.
One convenient option involves boarding bus numbers 101 or 205 at Kyoto Station, heading towards the Kinkakuji-michi stop. From there, it’s just a brief 5-minute walk to the temple.
Alternatively, you can opt for the Karasuma Line subway to Kitaoji Station followed by a bus ride (101, 102, 204, or 205) to the Kinkakuji-michi stop. This combined subway and bus journey typically takes around 40 minutes from Kyoto Station.
For those preferring convenience at a higher cost, a cab ride from Kyoto Station to the temple is possible, though the fare may vary based on traffic conditions.
Price
Kinkakuji’s goshuin 300 ¥.
Horarios
Kinkakuji temple welcomes visitors from 9 am to 5 pm.
Admission fee is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
