About Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji Temple)
Kinkaku-ji Temple, officially known as “Rokuon-ji,” is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple of the Shokoku-ji school located in Kita-ku, Kyoto City. It originated as a mountain villa built in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and was converted into a Zen temple after his death.
The three-story pavilion, the “Shariden,” covered in gold leaf, reflected in Kyoko-ike Pond, is a globally renowned symbol of Japan. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
History and Reconstruction of Kinkaku-ji
The current Kinkaku-ji was rebuilt in 1955. Although it was destroyed by arson in 1950, it faithfully reproduced its original appearance. In 1987, the “Showa Restoration” involved a complete replacement of the gold leaf, using approximately 200,000 sheets of gold leaf.
Highlights of Kinkaku-ji Temple
Shariden (Golden Pavilion)
The three-story Shariden employs different architectural styles on each floor.
- First Floor (Hōsui-in): Shinden-zukuri style. A recreation of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s residence.
- Second Floor (Chōon-dō): Samurai-zukuri style. Houses a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva.
- Third Floor (Kyūkyōchō): Zen Buddhist style Buddha hall. A golden phoenix adorns the roof.
Gold leaf is applied not only to the exterior walls but also to parts of the interior. On clear days, the golden reflection of the pavilion in Kyōko-ike Pond creates a spectacular “inverted Golden Pavilion.”
Kyōko-ike Pond and Garden
The pond garden surrounding the Golden Pavilion is designated as a National Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Kyoko Pond features numerous islands of varying sizes, including Ashihara Island, Tsuru Island, and Kame Island, representing the paradise envisioned by Yoshimitsu.
The view from the pond’s edge is a popular photography spot, especially during the autumn foliage season (mid-to-late November) and the snow-covered winter months.
Sekkatei (Evening Beauty Pavilion)
A tea room said to have been favored by Kanamori Sowa, a tea ceremony master of the Edo period. It was named “Sekkatei” because the Golden Pavilion looks most beautiful when illuminated by the setting sun. It features a thatched roof and a Nandina wood pillar.
Fudodo Hall
A hall enshrining the main deity, the stone Fudodo Myoo. Every year on February 3rd (Setsubun), the “Fudodo Hall Opening Ceremony” is held, allowing visitors to view the Fudodo Myoo, which is normally not open to the public.
Points to Note When Visiting
Visiting Hours and Fees
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open all year round)
- Admission Fee: Adults (High school students and older) 500 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 300 yen
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 40-60 minutes
Visiting Route
Kinkaku-ji Temple has a one-way visiting route.
- Main Gate: Receive your admission ticket (amulet) at the entrance.
- Kyoko Pond: Front view of Kinkaku-ji. Best Spots for Photography
- North Side of Kinkaku: View Kinkaku from a different angle
- Ryumon Waterfall: Depicts the legend of a carp climbing the waterfall and transforming into a dragon
- Anminzawa: Contains a white snake mound, believed to bring good fortune in wealth
- Yukatei: Visit the tea room and garden
- Fudo-do: Place of worship and Goshuin (temple stamp) is available
- Exit: Souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop
Best Time to Visit
- Early Morning (9:00~10:00): Relatively uncrowded, allowing you to photograph Kinkaku shining in the morning sun
- Weekday Afternoon: Fewer group tours, allowing for leisurely viewing
- Times to Avoid: 11:00~15:00 on weekends and holidays is the peak time for crowds
Photography Tips
The photography spot by Kyoko Pond can be crowded, but follow the instructions of the staff and take your turn. To avoid backlighting, the morning is ideal for photography with the sun behind you, resulting in vividly captured images of Kinkaku-ji Temple. With a telephoto lens, you can also photograph the details of Kinkaku-ji and the phoenix on the roof.
Benefits and Goshuin (Temple Seal)
Main Benefits
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: The golden Kinkaku-ji, shining brightly, is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
- Increased Financial Luck: The White Snake Mound in Anminzawa is a power spot for financial luck.
- Academic Success: Due to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s emphasis on learning.
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Prayers to Fudo Myoo (Acala)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
You can receive a Goshuin at the Goshuin office next to the Fudo-do (Fudo Hall) (300 yen). A Goshuin with the calligraphy “Ishi Fudo-son” (Stone Fudo Myoo) is issued. The admission ticket itself serves as a charm, and many visitors take it home to keep as a protective amulet.
Access Information
Public Transportation
From Kyoto Station
- Take City Bus Route 101 and get off at “Kinkakuji-michi” bus stop, then a 3-minute walk (approximately 40 minutes total travel time)
- Take City Bus Route 205 and get off at “Kinkakuji-michi” bus stop, then a 3-minute walk (approximately 40 minutes total travel time)
From Shijo Kawaramachi
- Take City Bus Route 12 and get off at “Kinkakuji-mae” bus stop (approximately 35 minutes total travel time)
- Take City Bus Route 59 and get off at “Kinkakuji-michi” bus stop, then a 3-minute walk (approximately 35 minutes total travel time)
From Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line)
- Take City Bus Route 204 or 205 and get off at “Kinkakuji-michi” bus stop, then a 3-minute walk (approximately 15 minutes total travel time)
Using a one-day bus pass (700 yen) is economical for visiting other tourist attractions.
Car/Taxi
Kinkakuji Temple has a parking lot for visitors.
- Parking Capacity: Approximately 250 regular cars
- Parking Fee: 300 yen per hour (first hour; 150 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter)
- Opening Hours: 8:40 AM – 5:10 PM
Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station, costing around 2,500-3,000 yen. During the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons, surrounding roads become congested, so using public transportation is recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Ryoan-ji Temple: 20-minute walk. A World Heritage Site famous for its rock garden.
- Ninna-ji Temple: 25-minute walk. A World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Omuro cherry blossoms.
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: 15-minute bus ride. Dedicated to the god of learning.
- Toji-in Temple: 15-minute walk. The Ashikaga Shogunate’s Family Temple
A popular route involves strolling along “Kinukake-no-michi” (Kinukake Path) and visiting three World Heritage Sites: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Ninna-ji.
Summary
Kinkaku-ji is a classic Kyoto tourist destination, yet it’s a profound temple where you can discover something new every time you visit. The solemnity of the gold-leafed reliquary hall, the beauty of the garden that changes with the seasons, and the historical value filled with the dreams of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu—all of these elements harmonize to create a space that truly embodies the essence of Japanese culture.
Visit during the quiet hours of early morning and experience the luxury of slowly gazing at the “inverted Kinkaku” reflected in Kyoko-ike Pond.
