Basic Information about Kinkaku-ji
“Kinkaku-ji” is a temple of the “Rinzai-shu Sokoku-ji” sect located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its official name is “Rokuon-ji,” but it is commonly known as “Kinkaku-ji” due to its beautiful golden “Shariden” (reliquary hall).
Basic Information
- Location: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access: 2-minute walk from the “Kinkakuji-michi” bus stop
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission Fee: 400 yen for adults (high school students and above), 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- Parking: Dedicated parking lot for visitors available (300 yen for the first hour, 150 yen for each additional 30 minutes, maximum capacity of 250 cars)
- Goshuin (Temple Seal): Available at the temple’s seal office. English explanations for the “Goshuin” are also provided.
Kinkaku-ji is conveniently accessible by bus from Kyoto Station and other major tourist spots. From Kyoto Station, you can take bus routes 101, 111, or 205, which will get you to Kinkaku-ji in about 40 minutes. It is also accessible by bus from “Ginkaku-ji” and “Kiyomizu-dera.”
History of Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji was founded in 1397 by the 3rd shogun of the Muromachi period, “Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.” Originally, the land belonged to “Saionji Kintsune,” who built “Saionji” during the Kamakura period. Yoshimitsu reconstructed it into a mountain villa called “Kitayama-dono.” After Yoshimitsu’s death, the villa was converted into a Zen temple and named “Rokuon-ji.”
In 1950, the “Shariden” was completely destroyed by a fire set by a novice monk, but it was restored to its original appearance in 1955. This incident became the subject of novels by “Yukio Mishima” and “Tsutomu Mizukami.” In 1994, Kinkaku-ji was registered as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites under the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
Highlights of Kinkaku-ji
The main highlight of Kinkaku-ji is its golden “Shariden,” which shines brilliantly. The building is a three-story structure, with each story designed in a different architectural style. The first floor is built in the “Shinden-zukuri” style (court noble residence), the second floor in the “Buke-zukuri” style (samurai residence), and the third floor in the “Karayo” (Zen) style. A golden phoenix statue adorns the roof.
Another must-see is the beautiful garden “Kyoko-chi” (Mirror Pond). This pond reflects the stunning image of Kinkaku-ji on its surface and offers breathtaking views throughout the four seasons. Especially during the snowy season, the sight of Kinkaku-ji covered in snow is truly magical.
The tea house “Sekka-tei” is also a notable spot. From this “Sukiya” (traditional Japanese tea house), you can enjoy the beautiful view of Kinkaku-ji glowing in the evening sunset.
Nearby Tourist Spots
There are many other attractions in the vicinity of Kinkaku-ji. Here are some recommended spots:
Ryoan-ji
Located about a 20-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji, “Ryoan-ji” is famous for its beautiful rock garden (“Karesansui”). The garden, with 15 stones arranged on white sand, captivates visitors with its exquisite balance.
Ninna-ji
About a 15-minute walk from Ryoan-ji, “Ninna-ji” is the head temple of the “Shingon Omuro-ha” sect. It is famous for its late-blooming “Omuro Cherry Blossoms,” attracting many visitors in spring.
Myoshin-ji
Located about a 7-minute walk from Ninna-ji, “Myoshin-ji” is the head temple of the “Rinzai Myoshin-ji” sect and is a highly prestigious Zen temple housing many important cultural properties.
Kitano Tenmangu and Kamishichiken
About a 25-minute walk from Myoshin-ji, “Kitano Tenmangu” enshrines “Sugawara no Michizane,” known as the god of learning. Adjacent “Kamishichiken” is an old “Hanamachi” (geisha district) where you can still see traditional dance performances by “Geiko” and “Maiko.”
Exploring these spots will give you a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s history and culture.
Dining and Café Options around Kinkaku-ji
Around Kinkaku-ji, there are many charming cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere. Here are some recommended spots to visit during your sightseeing.
1. Kinkakuji Fudo Kama Chasho
Located within the grounds of Kinkaku-ji, “Kinkakuji Fudo Kama Chasho” is a café where you can enjoy authentic tea while feeling the ambiance of Kyoto.
- Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, within Kinkaku-ji
- Business Hours: 09:00 – 15:30
2. Sabou Kinkaku-an
“Sabo Kinkaku-an,” using a town house built about 80 years ago, has a hidden, cozy atmosphere. It is located a 5-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji.
- Address: 36-1 Kinugasa Nishigosho-no-uchi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Business Hours: 11:30 – 17:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
3. CAFE FROSCH
Located an 11-minute walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station, “CAFE FROSCH” is a stylishly renovated townhouse café.
- Address: 557-7 Higashiyanagi-cho, Gojitsuji-dori, Nanahonmatsu Nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Business Hours: Closed on Thursdays and Fridays
4. Cafe Banimatar
Located a 5-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji, “Cafe Banimatar” offers a wide range of food menus.
- Address: 13 Kinugasa Somon-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Business Hours: 07:30 – 17:30 (Closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 2nd and 4th Sundays)
5. Cafeteria Koto
Located on “Nishioji,” the main street leading to Kinkaku-ji, “Cafeteria Koto” is known for its barista-made coffee and Instagram-worthy sweets.
- Address: 14 Kinugasa Goshono-uchi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 (Irregular holidays)
