Overview
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two stories are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto, Japan.
Kinkaku-ji is a very important site in Japanese history and culture, and is a designated National Special Landscape and Historic Site.
Location
Address
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita, Kyoto
Neighborhood: Kita-ku
Coordinates
35.042200, 135.750600
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
October-November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, better lighting for photos
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • cherry blossoms
- • gardens
summer
hot and humid
- • extended hours
autumn
cool and pleasant
- • autumn foliage
winter
cold
- • holiday lights
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Dress respectfully
- Check weather conditions
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate
- • stairs
- • uneven paths
Medical facilities: first aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, credit cards
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual and respectful, comfortable shoes, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing, revealing clothing
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 weeks
- • official website
- • 48 hours
- • available
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Kinkaku-ji Official App
Size: 30 MB
Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe
Charging Stations: Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Kansai International Airport
Distance: 120 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
From City Center
Distance: 5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, beautiful gardens
Historical Significance: Built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, later converted to a temple
Insider Tips
- Best views from the back of the pavilion
- Local cafes offer great matcha
Local Recommendations
- • Try matcha at the nearby café
- • Ask for a guide in Japanese
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Golden Pavilion
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Low angle
Result: Stunning reflection on the pond
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Ryoan-ji Temple
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Temple
Nijo Castle
Distance: 3km
Walking: 40 min
Type: Castle
Reviews
Based on 15,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book online"
- "Visit early"
- "Great views"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Kyoto Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day
From Osaka or Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour
From Osaka or Kyoto: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kyoto
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Osaka / Kyoto: Katsuoji, Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji One Day Tour
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets
Kyoto Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto Morning Tour from Kyoto or Osaka
Kyoto Arashiyama & Golden Pavilion One-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto: Golden Pavilion and Ryoan-ji Zen Garden Guided Tour
Kyoto & Uji Day Tour: Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu & Matcha Street
Kyoto Full day Tour Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari
Kyoto & Nara: Nara Park, Fushimi Inari & Arashiyama Day Trip
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour with Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch: From Kyoto
Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Osaka
Kyoto Sunrise Walk Early Morning Journey Through History By Guide
Kyoto Panoramic Day Tour Fushimi Inari Arashiyama and Temples
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour With English Guide
Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji
Kyoto Hidden Gems A Private Customized Tour for You With Guide
Kyoto Early Bird Tour Tokyo Round or One Way Shinkansen
Kyoto Private Tour with National Licensed Guide
1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto
Pedal through Kyoto's Past: A Private Biking Odyssey
Quick Info
Available Tours
250
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
15,000
Adult Entry
¥400