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Trip Planner: Asia / Japan / Kansai / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto / Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

4.4

#2 of 51,360 in Things to do in Japan

Must see · Religious Site · Tourist Spot

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With its top two stories completely coated in pure gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji gleams in the sunlight and reflects off the pond at its edge. This Zen Buddhist temple started as a villa for a powerful statesman in the 14th century, before its conversion to a temple by the family of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. After a high-profile arson in 1950, the temple was rebuilt in its current form with ostentatious gold leaf coating to echo the extravagance of aristocratic culture in Yoshimitsu’s time. Look out for the different historical architectural styles represented by each floor of the temple. Plan to visit Kinkaku-ji and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Kyoto attractions using our Kyoto online holiday planner.

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Kinkaku-ji reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

17,086 reviews

Google

4.5

By CatalinaBusch

The temple is beautiful and very impressive. If you need to choose between the Golden Pavilion (this one) and the Silver Pavilion, be aware you don’t get inside either, and if you’re more into nature.... more

The temple is beautiful and very impressive. If you need to choose between the Golden Pavilion (this one) and the Silver Pavilion, be aware you don’t get inside either, and if you’re more into nature.... more »
By elizabethrF489DQ

If you love photography, try to come early morning or late afternoon so you can get the perfect sunlight. Otherwise, enjoy this beautiful Golden Temple on a beautiful property perfect for a nice...

If you love photography, try to come early morning or late afternoon so you can get the perfect sunlight. Otherwise, enjoy this beautiful Golden Temple on a beautiful property perfect for a nice... more »

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Google

By Rohatash Chaudhary

One of the most famous spots in Kyoto, temple of the Golden pavilion. Actually, it’s a Buddhist temple which is covered with golden leaf giving an iconic mirror view. Usually, the area is crowded and I recommend you to go there early morning. You can enjoy a relaxing walk through the wayside. The entrance fee is 400 yen.For road direction, both English and Japanese language are indicated. Highly recommended this place for people who like traditional and historical view.

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By F. “Pastito” Fux

A beautiful and picturesque temple in shining gold. The whole tour is about 45min if you walk slowly and take some pictures. It is definitely worth a trip if you are in Kyoto and have some time to visit the temples. I'd love to to be able to sit and have more opportunity to enjoy the park and temple a bit more. It feels a little 'rushed' with the only way leading around the temple up the hill to some gift shops and a shrine and then back out.

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