Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
4.5 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment
Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
Website
The area
Address
1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
What other travelers are saying about Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Visited on a weekend in April, and while it was definitely quite crowded with many tourists, the experience was absolutely worth it. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, and despite the large number of people, the beauty and charm of the place really stood out. If you're planning a visit, be prepared for the crowds—but don’t let that deter you. It’s a popular spot for a reason, and I’m so glad I went!
Niki Shah
Apr 22, 2025
Definitely recommend checking out the golden temple when visiting Kyoto, even if it’s far from where you’re staying. It’s easy to get to the golden temple via city bus from any main station in Kyoto. We went at 4:00 pm, got there at 4:30 pm and it closes at 5:00 pm. Zero line, zero crowd. And golden hour. The sun was perfectly reflecting on the water. Could not recommend a better time to go. You buy tickets when you arrive. It’s in total a 5-10 min loop with a gorgeous view - such a quick and easy site to see.
Katie Waters
Apr 9, 2025
Visiting here was a dream come true. Ever since I read The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima almost a decade ago, I knew that my visit was vital, not only to inform my love of literature, but the prowess of Japanese culture and its inspired architecture. As such, no one is allowed into the actual temple itself, and tourism is limited to its vicinity. If you are a part of a large group, there are placed signs that prevent prolonged photo sessions as a means of accommodating its heavy volume of tourists. This is a historical Kyoto staple, and whether you’re a Japanese literature buff, lover of architecture, or someone who is crossing items off their bucket list, I recommend this visit, and I can’t emphasize that enough. If you’re already visiting Kyoto, you’re in luck, for many of the public buses are routed to this destination.
Maha Balouch-Aoki
Apr 13, 2025
A stunning and incredibly beautiful temple, covered in gold across its three stories. The temple gleams like a golden jewel in the landscape, and it’s fascinating to know that over USD 100 worth of gold leaf has been used in its construction. There’s also a charming traditional tea house nearby that’s well worth a visit. The serene pond surrounding the temple, the perfectly manicured trees, and the harmonious elements of the area make it a truly authentic Japanese experience. Each floor of the temple served a distinct purpose — the ground floor was used by the emperor, the first floor (without windows) is believed to have been used by samurai, and the second floor’s use remains a bit unclear.
Hamid
Apr 18, 2025
Bathed in sunlight, Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji emerges like a vision—a two-story pavilion cloaked in gold leaf, opulent and radiant, its reflection shimmering across the mirror-still pond.
This Golden Pavilion is a masterpiece of lavish beauty, where every detail exudes grandeur, from the gleaming phoenix adorning its roof to the intricate Zen architecture.
Surrounding it, the garden whispers tranquility: raked gravel swirls, moss-clad stones, and ancient pines frame a scene of perfect harmony.
Watching Kinkaku-ji on a sunny morning is a moment frozen in time—unforgettable, transcendent.
Sendi Widjaja
Apr 3, 2025
