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Kyoto

Kinkakuji Temple

Closed Now: 09:00 - 17:00
Open today: 09:00 - 17:00
All photos (14,196)
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Traveller Overview
  • Excellent59%
  • Very good30%
  • Average9%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“golden pavilion”(1,105 reviews)
“gold leaf”(214 reviews)
“sunny day”(224 reviews)
About
One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.
Certificate of Excellence
Closed Now
Hours Today: 09:00 - 17:00
As featured in 3 Days in Kyoto
Contact
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8361, Kyoto Prefecture
Northern Kyoto
Website
+81 75-461-0013
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Reviews (16,544)
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Traveller rating
4,919
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828
140
45
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All reviews golden pavilion gold leaf sunny day small lake school children tea house kyoto station entrance fee take pictures beautiful garden early in the morning reflection temple tourists pond kinkakuji japan
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1 - 10 of 8,531 reviews
Reviewed yesterday

It was quite busy when we visited but well worth the visit. The sun was shining and the Temple glowed. The grounds are beautiful around the Pavillion as well. A Kyoto icon!

Date of experience: September 2019
Thank Philippa H
Reviewed yesterday via mobile

One of my favorites when I was in Japan! Pictures just don't do it justice. My jaw literally dropped in awe of its beauty. Crowds can get crazy so come early!!

Date of experience: May 2019
Thank HungryJ0nee
Reviewed yesterday

Beautiful gardens surround this idyllic temple. the gold leaf has been replaced and the park is well maintained. crowded but most sites in Kyoto are.

Date of experience: October 2019
Thank Wynn R
Reviewed 2 days ago

Wet on the bus, the gold building is amazing to see, but there isn't a lot else to look at in the garden but it was worth the journey. Very busy but well organised

Date of experience: September 2019
Thank poppymum
Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

It wasn't too crowded on a Monday afternoon. The temple in itself was pleasing to the eyes. There's a pathway around the temple, so if it's too crowded in the first stop, you can take photos further down the road. The back of the temple...More

Date of experience: October 2019
Thank lerrick09
Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

I knew it was going to be beautifull, but I was not expecting the imediate impact it made - the reflection, perfect symmetry. Yes I was luck it was a calm day and the sun was shining, but no one should miss this palace and...More

Date of experience: September 2019
Thank F2042HDlucyc
Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

Expect large crowds but even so, the first glimpse of Kinkakuji on a sunny day, against a blue sky, its reflection showing in the aptly named mirror pond, is breathtaking. And walking around the pond, you realize that it's impossible to take a bad picture...More

Date of experience: October 2019
Thank trav4Him
Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

This is a place you must visit in Kyoto. Because of this it can be very crowded but still well worth the effort. A great place for photography.

Date of experience: September 2019
Thank VRO53
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

There is a reason it’s the number 1 attraction! It’s beautiful! You walk in an it’s the most picture perfect view. However, the crowds and the people attempting to take pictures is overwhelming. They do not let you walk back so I recommend you hangout...More

Date of experience: October 2019
Thank USATravelbug_194
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Take the time to visit this temple. It is on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Route and easy to walk to. It is a one way walk around the grounds that offers a good view of the golden temple. If you like soft-serve, don't...More

Date of experience: October 2019
Thank 276Karen
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Nearby
Northern Kyoto
Hot springs and historic temples characterize the
leafy landscapes of Northern Kyoto. Acres of tranquil
residential streets are interrupted by some of Kyoto's
most gorgeous architectural gems, including the
majestic Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji, the serene
artistry of the Ryoanji Temple rock gardens, and the
bold red paint across the structures of Enryakuji
Temple. Once a religious core of the city, the
...More
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Questions & Answers
Ask a question
Naina1983
24 September 2019|
AnswerShow all 5 answers
Response from Traveller20175 | Reviewed this property |
If you are short of time then skip this temple. Though it is very pretty from the outside, you are just taking one picture of the view. And long wait to enter the temple. Do it only if you have more time in Kyoto.
0
Votes
FionaWhtlw
12 June 2019|
AnswerShow all 5 answers
Response from WanderGraphy | Reviewed this property |
Kinkaku-ji is very crowded all the time. Your best bet would be as soon as it opens and before locals get there too (a lot of school excursions). Or even better, consider to rather go to Ginkaku-ji.
1
Vote
Carol_poon
9 February 2019|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from tammyzh | Reviewed this property |
I would recommend using the bus. The Kyoto bus network is comprehensive and traveller friendly. Where would be staying/arriving from? Also,all bus stops have free wi-fi.
1
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