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History Of Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, originally started as a villa before being transformed into a Zen temple in the 1400s. Although many of the buildings were destroyed during the Onin War, the pavilion remarkably survived intact.
In the 1950s, a significant portion of the pavilion was destroyed by a fire ignited by a suicidal monk. However, it was restored in 1955 and has been meticulously maintained ever since.
Today, Kinkaku-ji attracts countless tourists worldwide and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside many of Kyoto’s other ancient monuments.
Visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple is a striking three-story structure adorned with gold leaf, beautifully overlooking a serene pond. While the pavilion is closed to visitors, the breathtaking views from the outside more than compensate.
Although this site is relatively small, it’s wise to allocate at least 30 to 60 minutes to enjoy the stunning surroundings and capture memorable photographs.
This location is undeniably one of the most photogenic spots in Japan!
When To Visit
The ideal time to visit Kinkakuji is in the morning, prior to the wind picking up, as this allows you to witness stunning reflections on the pond.
By midday, the crowds become quite substantial, particularly during holidays and peak seasons like autumn.
While Kinkaku-ji is not renowned for its fall colors, visitors can still enjoy a few vibrant red leaves scattered among the trees. During our mid-November visit, the scenery was particularly magnificent.
Hours & Entrance Fees
- Open: Daily
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Fees: 400¥ (~$4)
How To Get There
Kinkakuji Temple is situated just northwest of Kyoto city. Although it is not directly connected to the main train routes, reaching the temple is relatively straightforward.
From Kyoto Station, you can take a 40-minute bus ride on line 205 or opt for a 20-minute Uber ride.
If traveling from Osaka, consider disembarking at Arashiyama Station to explore its attractions before taking a quick Uber to Kinkakuji.
Where To Stay In Kyoto
Where We Stayed
During our visit, we stayed at Hotel Mikado in Osaka for just 4,000 Yen ($30 USD). For solo travelers or couples, this budget hotel is an unbeatable deal in Japan!
For this price, we enjoyed a clean, private room equipped with heating/AC, a fridge, a TV, and high-speed WiFi. Although the room was slightly small, it was quite comfortable, and the shared bathroom is a standard practice in Japan.
Additionally, the location was ideal — only a two-minute walk to a variety of restaurants and train stations, and just a 15-minute ride to notable attractions like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori shopping street. Day trips to Himeji, Kyoto, and Nara were also conveniently accessible!
Keep in mind, hotel prices can fluctuate, so it’s worth monitoring for great deals.
