A complete guide to Kinkakuji Temple that even beginners can enjoy!

introduction

Overview and History of Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji, officially called Rokuonji, is a Rinzai sect temple located in Kita-ku, Kyoto City. Built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, its beautiful appearance is highly regarded both in Japan and overseas as a symbol of Kyoto. Kinkakuji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and attracts many tourists.

Why is Kinkakuji a popular tourist destination?

As its name suggests, Kinkakuji Temple’s greatest attraction is its gorgeous architecture covered in gold leaf. The sight of Kinkakuji reflected in the pond is particularly spectacular, and it is worth visiting in all four seasons as it shows different expressions throughout the year. With cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter, new impressions await you every time you visit.

What is the purpose of this article and why should you read it?

This article aims to convey the charms of Kinkakuji Temple in an easy-to-understand manner for first-time visitors and those new to tourism. It provides detailed information on how to get there, what to see, and how to enjoy the temple, and is written to serve as a guide for readers to enjoy Kinkakuji Temple to the fullest.

1. Access to Kinkakuji Temple

How to get to Kinkakuji from Kyoto Station

Access to Kinkakuji Temple is very convenient, with many transport options available from Kyoto Station.

How to use the bus

To get from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji Temple, take the city bus. From the bus stop in front of Kyoto Station, take city bus route 205 or 101 and get off at the “Kinkakuji-michi” bus stop. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.

How to use taxis and rental cars

If you want to travel more comfortably, we recommend taxis and rental cars. If you take a taxi from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji Temple, it will take about 20 minutes. If you rent a car, it will be convenient if you are familiar with driving in Kyoto City.

How to combine your visit with other nearby tourist attractions

After visiting Kinkakuji Temple, you can also enjoy the surrounding tourist attractions. For example, Ryoanji Temple and Nijo Castle are nearby, so you can spend a day immersed in history and culture. The Arashiyama area is also easily accessible and has many attractions, including the bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji Temple.

2. Highlights of Kinkakuji Temple

Introduction to Kinkakuji and its beauty

Kinkakuji is a three-story building, with each floor incorporating a different style. The gold leaf on the exterior walls is particularly impressive, shining in the sunlight and captivating all who visit. Another feature not to be missed is the phoenix statue on the roof of Kinkakuji.

Beautiful scenery of Kyokochi Pond

The Kyokochi Pond that spreads out in front of Kinkakuji reflects Kinkakuji like a mirror, as its name suggests. You can enjoy the beauty of Kinkakuji from various angles while walking around the pond. The image of Kinkakuji reflected in the pond is particularly spectacular, and it is a popular photo spot for many tourists.

Teahouse “Yukatei”

Within the grounds of Kinkakuji Temple, there is a teahouse called “Sekkatei.” In contrast to the splendor of Kinkakuji Temple, this teahouse has a simple and calm atmosphere. In the teahouse, you can quietly enjoy tea and spend a moment of peace and tranquility.

The gardens within the temple grounds and their characteristics

A beautiful Japanese garden spreads out within the grounds of Kinkakuji Temple. The garden is designed as a stroll-style garden with a pond, allowing visitors to enjoy the various scenery as they walk through the garden. You can enjoy the beauty of the flowers and trees throughout the seasons, so no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover.

3. How to enjoy Kinkakuji Temple

Etiquette and points to note when visiting a shrine

When visiting Kinkakuji Temple, it is important to observe a few manners and precautions. First, be quiet inside the temple and avoid disturbing other worshippers and tourists. Take photographs only in permitted areas, and especially avoid using flash photography. Also, be careful not to disturb the buildings or gardens of Kinkakuji Temple.

Photo spots and tips

There are many photo spots around Kinkakuji Temple, and the image of Kinkakuji reflected in the Kyokochi Pond is a particularly great spot. To take the best shots, we recommend visiting in the early morning or evening when the light is soft. You can also take more beautiful photos by taking pictures across the pond with Kinkakuji Temple in the background.

How to enjoy each season

Kinkakuji Temple shows different beauty throughout the year. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer, the vibrant green leaves are a delight to the eyes. In autumn, the gardens are decorated with colorful leaves, and in winter, Kinkakuji Temple amid a snowy landscape creates a mystical atmosphere. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again to enjoy the scenery of each season.

4. Recommended spots around Kinkakuji Temple

Cafes and restaurants in the Kitayama area

There are many stylish cafes and delicious restaurants around Kinkakuji Temple. One way to enjoy a meal or tea in the Kitayama area between sightseeing is to do so. Food and sweets made with local ingredients are especially popular.

Combination plan with other sightseeing spots

After visiting Kinkakuji, you can also explore the surrounding attractions, such as the nearby rock gardens of Ryoanji Temple and the historic architecture of Nijo Castle, or head to the Arashiyama area for more sights, such as the Bamboo Forest Path and Tenryu-ji Temple.

5. Practical Information

Opening hours and admission fees

Kinkakuji Temple is usually open from 9am to 5pm, but opening hours may vary depending on the season or special events, so it’s best to check the official website for the latest information before visiting. Admission fees are 400 yen for adults, 300 yen for middle and high school students, and 200 yen for elementary school students.

Barrier-free Information

Kinkakuji Temple is also equipped with barrier-free facilities. Wheelchairs are also welcome, and there are dedicated pathways and elevators. For more information, please check the official Kinkakuji Temple website.

Souvenir shops and recommended items

There is also a souvenir shop within the grounds of Kinkakuji Temple. Here you can purchase miniature replicas of Kinkakuji Temple, Japanese sweets unique to the temple, and souvenirs. The products exclusive to Kinkakuji Temple are especially popular as souvenirs of your trip.

Nearby accommodation

There are various accommodations around Kinkakuji Temple. You can choose from luxury hotels to affordable lodgings to suit your travel style. Also, a little distance from Kinkakuji Temple, there are accommodations that have been renovated from traditional townhouses, where you can enjoy the Kyoto atmosphere.

summary

The charm of Kinkakuji Temple is not only its beautiful architecture, but also its seasonal scenery and the surrounding tourist attractions. Even if it’s your first time visiting, you can enjoy a fulfilling visit if you use this article as a reference when making your plans. When you visit Kinkakuji Temple, be sure to use this guide to ensure you have a wonderful time.

great-trip編集部

writer

Hello, I'm a new member of "great-trip" and I'm looking forward to meeting you! Welcome to "great-trip"! great-trip" is a website designed to introduce tourist attractions in Japan. This site will help you with your next trip by providing detailed information on various tourist attractions in Japan. The site provides easy-to-understand and friendly content so that even those new to planning a trip can find the information they are looking for with ease. great-trip" is operated with the hope of conveying the wonders of Japan's sightseeing spots to as many people as possible. We hope that visitors to our site will find travel enjoyable and appealing, and that we can help them find their next travel destination. As your travel plans progress, discover new aspects of Japan and create wonderful memories. Let's go on a great trip to Japan together! Discover your next travel destination with "great-trip". We look forward to seeing you soon!