Of all the temples you’ll see in Kyōto, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is perhaps the most breathtaking. Also known as “Kinkaku-ji,” the temple’s top two floors are coated in gold leaf, creating a dazzling mirror image in the pond on which it’s built.
Surrounded by the Hokuzan mountain, the temple gleams brightly on sunny days, and is just as beautiful when dusted by snow in winter. Though you can’t enter the pavilion, some of the statues kept on the first floor can be seen through the open windows.
The temple was originally Shogun Ashikaga’s residence, and became a Zen Buddhist temple after his death in the 15th century. The building was damaged and ruined more than once, and has been rebuilt each time, most recently in the 1950s. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Interestingly, the three floors of the temple are built in different architectural styles. The top level uses elements of Chinese Zen architecture, and is capped with a golden phoenix. The middle level is built in the style of Samurai residences, while the bottom level reflects the style of palace architecture from the Heian period (794-1185). It’s said the Golden Pavillion houses some of the Buddha’s ashes.
The garden here was designed during Shogun Ashikaga’s residence as a place for meditation. A teahouse was added during the Edo period (1603-1868). Along the paths you’ll find shrines and statues which many visitors throw coins at for luck.
On your way out ring the bell at Fudo Hall, dedicated to the god of fire. The hall houses a carving of Fudo Myoo, one of the five wisdom kings seen as Buddha’s protectors. You can also stop here at a small garden to sit and enjoy tea and sweets.
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is in north Kyōto. It takes a little under an hour to get there direct by bus from Kyōto Station, the city’s main transportation hub. The temple is open daily and has a small admission fee.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
![Kinkaku-ji Temple](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/a3e0b45a8230dc166077db3c080b700f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
Tours & day trips
See all 442 activitiesOpens in new tab![Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/490782/09220345-7014-4b2b-aec1-4d963b57b872.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 199 activitiesOpens in new tab![Kyoto, Osaka, Nara Full Day tour by Car English speaking Driver](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2538235/2643a5a1-4bd9-4fa7-8690-8393c1d72483.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara Full Day tour by Car English speaking Driver
Classes & workshops
See all 90 activitiesOpens in new tab![Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4565763/ed1ed9dd-eb62-4f28-811c-b7139e7da543.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience
Shows & concerts
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tab![Kyoto: Gion District Guided Walking Tour at Night with Snack](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47708704/298d0b9d-987f-45e1-bb1c-bf7c8f272817.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Kyoto: Gion District Guided Walking Tour at Night with Snack
Weddings & honeymoons
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tab![Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Experience in Arashiyama Bamboo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48161851/964881df-70aa-48c2-868b-0e7906725a14.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Experience in Arashiyama Bamboo
Popular places to visit
Hirano Shrine
Learn about the local history of Kyoto with a stop at Hirano Shrine. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Toji-in Temple
Find out about the history of Kyoto when you take a trip to Toji-in Temple. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Kitano Tenmangū
This shrine was created in 947 to mollify a furious spirit. Now, students and tourists gather to soak in the ambience of its traditional architecture and gardens.
Ryoan-ji Temple
Features such as one of the most famous rock gardens in the country and a placid pond with charming islands distinguish this temple from others in the city.
Kenkun Shrine
You can learn about the history of Kyoto with a visit to Kenkun Shrine. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.
Imamiya Shrine
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Imamiya Shrine. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Kinkaku-ji Temple
![Urban Hotel Kyoto Nijo Premium](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10390000/10389900/10389880/b80edc10_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66550000/66541300/66541218/7eef28ec_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Kyoto Brighton Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1000/919/5af29175_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/45000000/44770000/44762100/44762017/99e5883f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59450000/59440600/59440545/96391cbc_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![THE BLOSSOM KYOTO](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76500000/76497900/76497805/w3000h1498x0y2-96caf856_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13420000/13414300/13414219/86da42f1_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Stay SAKURA Kyoto Nijo Seasons](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/24000000/23340000/23335400/23335349/9265788e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
- Vacations and getaways similar to Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hotels Near Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kita Ward
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Hotel Theme
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Lake Biwa
- Hotels near Kiyomizu Temple
- Hotels near Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hotels near Nishiki Market
- Hotels near Kyoto University
- Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Nijō Castle
- Hotels near Yasaka Shrine
- Hotels near Kyoto International Conference Centre
- Hotels near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Hotels near Togetsukyo Bridge