Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), otherwise known as the ‘Golden Temple’, is a famous Zen temple in Kyoto, in where the top two floors are covered in gold foil.
The temple was once the retirement house of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and following his death in 1408, the villa became a Zen temple as per his will. The grandson of Yoshimitsu, built Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Temple, on the other side of Kyoto which was inspired by Kinkaku-ji.
In modern days, Kinkaku-ji is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, and is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Kinkaku-ji has three floors which make up the temple, each adopting a different design and architectural style.
The top floor was built in the traditional Chinese Zen style, and is wrapped in gold foil.The middle floor, also covered in gold foil, was built in the Bukke style, which was used in Samurai residences during the Heian Era. While not shown to the public, this floor contains a seated Kannon Bodhisattva, surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The bottom floor of the Kinkaku-ji is called ‘The Chamber of Dharma Waters’, and was designed in the shinden-zukuri style, which is similar to design of the residential houses in the 11th century. The floor is an open space which uses natural, unpainted woods and white plaster, which helps connect the temple to the surrounding landscape.
Lastly, to complete the Kinkaku-ji, the temple is capped with a Golden phoenix on the roof.
Kinkaku-ji’s stunning architecture sits on the edge of a small pond, which on clear days creates a magnificent reflection in the water surface.
Due to it’s cultural significance, so only the temple staff and affluent members of society have been granted access to see the inside of the temple.
The temple has burned down numerous times in the past. During the Onin War, the temple grounds suffered severed damage, destroying most of the former
Yoshimitsu residence. It was then later burned down in 1950 by a novice monk. The present day Kinkaku-ji temple structures dates from 1955.
Following on from the temple, visitors follow on the path which passes by the head priest’s former living quarters, known for their painted sliding doors that are sadly not open to the public for viewing. Following on from the living quarters, visitors enter the temples gardens, which follow the original designs by Yoshimitsu.
During the Edo era, The Sekkatei Teahouse was built near the exit of the paid area of the temple. Outside the paid area, there are shops to buy souvenirs, snacks, and sweets.
Hours & Admission
- Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
- Closed: No normal closing days
- 500JPY
- Official Website
Accommodation near Kinkaku-ji
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Accessing Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji can be accessed from Kyoto Station on the Kyoto City bus 101, or 205. The journey takes roughly 40 minutes, and costs 230JPY.
For a faster journey, take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Kitaoji Station for 260JPY, and take a taxi from Kita-oji Station (for about 1500JPY) to Kikaku-ji.
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