Kinkaku-ji

The overall experience was really nice! The temple was beautiful, but we weren't able to go inside 😢. It was really hot though, so make sure you bring a fan, a hat, or some cooling item, especially if you go in the summer. There was also a bunch of greenery, which is nice if you are an outdoor person.

I went during summer so it was extremely crowded. It still is absolutely breathtaking. The Golden Pavilion is beautiful and the entire temple grounds were so serene and filled with nature. When we walked around the path and up the hill there's a view of the top of the Golden Pavilion as well where you can see the Golden Phoenix ornament on the top.( Although I overheard a tour guide say it was a rooster so I'm not 100% sure) I definitely recommend this Buddhist temple if you are visiting the area. The plaques around the temple have information in English but any signs that don't have it translated it is very easy to open up Google Translate and take a picture to understand that area, building, or statue.

If you have extra time, it’s worth a visit, but I’d prioritize the other major attractions first. We arrived in the late afternoon; although it was crowded, people moved through fairly quickly. It looks exactly like it does in all the photos, and perhaps because of the crowds, it didn’t feel quite as special as I had hoped. There’s a picture on the wall of the temple in winter… I think it would be more impressive to return then …

A truly unique and colorful temple in Kyoto, and an absolute must visit. We visited in the early morning before the crowds came and I’m glad we did because this place gets packed quickly, especially on the weekend. Note that this gorgeous golden temple can only be admired from the outside, visitors are not allowed to enter it. Aside from admiring the golden temple, there are some short scenic walks around the area to reach other parts of the temple, but overall it’s not too large. On your way out, don’t forget to grab some matcha ice cream with gold leaf flakes!

Stunning place with a truly iconic view. The golden pavilion reflected in the pond is beautiful and very photogenic. The garden path is peaceful and well maintained. Only downside: it can get very crowded, especially on weekends, and you can’t go inside the building, it’s just for viewing. Still, absolutely worth visiting if you're in Kyoto!

Beautiful architecture with striking gold features, set against the backdrop of a serene pond—truly picturesque. The tour felt somewhat commercial, with a strong focus on directing tourists through nearby shops, which detracted slightly from the cultural experience, but was still acceptable overall. It would have been wonderful to see the interior of the building as well.

A stunning destination in Kyoto! The golden temple reflecting off the pond is truly breathtaking. You don’t need much time — even a 10-minute walk around the grounds is enough to admire its beauty and take great photos. The surrounding nature adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommended for a quick but memorable stop!

We recently stopped in Japan on one of our trips to Korea to visit my wife’s family. From Tokyo, we booked a tour on the bullet train to Kyoto. One of the main places we visited on the tour was the Gold Pavilion. It was just beautiful to see. Well maintained and very peaceful. Not too busy on the day we visited which was good for us. A definite must see!

I write this to you from my desk on my first day of work post Japan trip. My physical body is here in this 6x6 cubicle as I prepare to make cold calls, but my heart and soul still at Kinkaku-ji Temple. Normally I don't love super touristy things because they are overrun with people taking pictures, and you can't really lock in and appreciate the actual site. It's almost like people just going there to say they went, you know? However, these grounds are one of the most reverent spaces I've ever set foot in. They allowed me to take a break and essentially stop the river of time that we are all perennially stuck in. Kinkaku-ji is a well kept Japanese strolling garden, centered around a beautiful 3 story Zen Buddhist temple covered in pure gold leaf that is surrounded by a mirror pond reflecting the building. There's a euphoric energy here that I struggle to even put into words. The gold leaf is intended to mitigate and purify any negative thoughts, and it WORKS. Being here looking at the pond and the reflection of the temple is the most present I have felt in a long time. I realized all my issues and insecurities come from harping on the past or worrying about the future. The present space is where we should strive to stay. I got here right when it opened to try and beat the rush, and I couldn't be any more grateful I did. It really allowed me to lock in. Post lock in, I asked someone to take a picture of me because I'm a hypocrite. At the end of the day I literally am a tourist lmao. The best 500 yen ($3.18 usd) I ever spent. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

This was the highlight, architecturally, for my last trip to Japan. It was a perfect clear day sandwiched between days of rain, the crowds were not crazy and the Golden Pavilion was gorgeous. I think its important to note, compared to many other sight seeing location, this place is not big at all. Once you walk around the pool, and get close to the pavilion, you can see it doesn't house a lot of people. It's like designed for small groups, kind of like chamber rooms in European palaces. But its size is not really the point... the point is its serenity and minimalism. The pavilion is like a painting. The lake and grounds are very "zen", where a lot of emphasis is put on nature but its tidy and well kept. Less flowery and more "perfectly placed stones and mini hills" if you know what I am talking about. Its nature if it was in harmony rather then it being wild like a forest. The grounds and lake make a great contrast with the building itself, one of the few obviously man-made structures. The gold on the pavilion is very pretty and from a distance makes the building seem like a diorama. It started out as a villa apparently before it became a temple. Makes you wonder what it was like living or relaxing here. I highly recommend this pavilion for anyone who enjoys architecture, medieval japan or anyone who wants a great selfie.

If you are rating the Golden Pavillion less than five stars, I honestly don't know what is going to impress you (will we ever be able to insert an emoji into Yelp reviews, because I'd be inserting some hysterically laughing ones right here). This place is literally covered with pure gold! Relics of the Buddha are literally stored here. And it's utterly breathtaking. I have this tendency to tear up when I see things that make me want to thank the gods for giving me vision. That happened here. While not free, the cost of 500 yen/3.30 is more than worth it. And while it has strict hours unlike some of the other shrines and temples (which are so fun to visit when the sun goes down), get here within an hour of opening and it's a little less packed. While we were there, we saw many school groups but it wasn't bad at all. I felt it was peaceful as we roamed the pristine gardens and we were able to take good photos without a zillion people wrecking the shots. Getting back to the star rating, do I deduct one star because the leaves had the audacity to have not changed yet despite it being fall? Five stars. It's not even debatable.

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, was one of the spots my boyfriend missed on his last visit to Kyoto. It's about a public transportation hour further out from everything else, but I was determined that we stopped by for a visit. I saw a taxi as we left Kodaiji and it still took about a 30 minute drive over, due to congestion in the streets. Entrance is 500 Y per adult, which was defined as ages 16 and older. This site was originally the retirement home for sogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and later it was converted to a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple after his death according to his wishes. The iconic shiny gold exterior in contrast to a green garden makes this a photo friendly tourist site. The front of the golden pavilion was, to me, the most beautiful spot for a photo. However, this area gets really congested and you may need to be patient for your turn. As we explored the site, the gardens were also beautiful and well maintained. They had two ponds and a few prayer/wishing spots where you can throw coins and test your luck. Towards the exit of the temple, there was a prayer hall for incense and candles. I got 3 small incense sticks and a candle for 50 Y. They also had gift shops to purchase charms and other souvenirs. Kinkakuji was one of my favorite spots in all of Japan. This is a must-see if you are visiting Kyoto.

Kyoto was honestly so much fun. being able to visit different tourist locations to admire the architecture was the highlight of this city! we actually walked after taking the subway to this beautiful attraction. when we went , there was a lot of people and they were surrounding one spot but if you honestly walk further down, you can get some really great shots. i would beware of mosquitos during the summer and fall time. even though we went in september , we still got bit because of the humidity and heat !!

Beautiful golden temple that is a must see for any Kyoto tourists. Since it's so iconic, there is always a large crowd, so be prepared to line up a bit to take photos! The temple itself is small so they don't allow people to enter, but the surrounding area and gardens provided a nice walk to enjoy and view as well!

All the Tours come here. It's a major tourist attraction but they don't let you in the Temple. It's overrun with tourists. Best part was the view of the Temple on the Lake and if you throw a coin in the bucket and it hits--your wish will come true. I hit it! Personally, if you miss it--don't feel too bad.

"I will search for you through 1,000 worlds and 10,000 lifetimes until I find you." - 47 Rōnin Imagine 1390's Japan. A mystery to the outside world and a culture still wrapped in the supernatural. Bushido the code of the Samurai and the mighty Ashikaga Yoshimitsu retires as Shōgun of all the lands. "The Golden Pavilion" 金閣寺, officially Rokuon-ji was the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death, his son, inherited the lands and per his father's wishes converted the pavilion to a Buddhist Temple. Today, Rokuon-ji is a stunning Zen Buddhist Temple that has survived the ravishes of time. Since 1397, It has been rebuilt twice due to fires. The unique architecture for a three-story pavilion is mesmerizing. The first floor, called The Chamber of Dharma Waters (法水院, Hō-sui-in), is rendered in shinden-zukuri style, reminiscent of the residential style of the 11th century Heian imperial aristocracy. The top two adorned in luxurious pure gold leaf. The second floor, called The Tower of Sound Waves (潮音洞, Chō-on-dō ), is built in the style of Samurai aristocrats, or buke-zukuri. The second floor also contains a Buddha Hall and a shrine dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon. The interior is not open to the general public. The third floor, is built in traditional Chinese chán "Zen" style, also known as zenshū-butsuden-zukuri. It is called the Cupola of the Ultimate (究竟頂, Kukkyō-chō). The zen typology depicts a more religious ambiance in the pavilion, as was popular during the Muromachi era. The mystical Hōō Phoenix stands at the top and appears to watch over the grounds. The exterior is a reflection of the inside. The elements of nature, death, religion, are formed together to create this connection between the sacred pavilion and outside intrusions. "The Golden Pavilion" is surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden. The "mirror" pond and tiny islands represent famous scenes from Japanese literature. Fresh water fish and turtles can be seen in this serene pond. The best photography can be taken with the pond as the foreground. The reflection... breathtaking. In the end, a visit to Kyōtō must include Rokuon-ji. It does get crowded with Buddhist worshippers and the tourists from around the world. Also, "The Golden Pavilion" itself, might be smaller than you expect. However, it's a great place to block out humanity and absorb the history of the grounds and energy in the air. To imagine 1390's feudal Japan... I certainly can! 愛 Please follow my adventures on IG: @eric_travel_guru

We visited Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺; "Deer Garden Temple") -- better known for Kinkaku-ji ("Temple of the Golden Pavilion"), on a hot summer afternoon. There is a meandering path past the admission gates that takes visitors around Kyoko-chi Pond, the Golden Pavilion itself, and other garden and temple features, such as White Snake Mound. Restrooms are available close to the end of the path and again by the gift shop. The main attraction of the temple is the Golden Pavilion and its place by Kyoko-chi pond. The pavilion is closed so visitors won't be able to step inside the building. There are several "optimal angles" for taking pictures of the building and pond; expect to wait your turn at those places. We spent about one hour at Rokuon-ji. While the Zen Buddhist architecture of the Golden Pavilion and its settings inspire peaceful and tranquil feelings, the reality is that the bustle of tourism might limit that appreciation to after one's visit -- to looking back on images taken during the visit. Remember to keep your admission ticket -- it is also a good luck charm!

One of my favorite places in Kyoto and all of Japan. The view honestly never gets old and it's worth going even in the crowds. Highly recommend!

If, for whatever reason, you only have time to hit one temple while in Kyoto, you should probably make it Kinkaku-ji. It's officially called Rokuon-ji, or Deer Garden Temple, but there aren't really deer hanging around, while it's pretty hard to miss the giant pavilion covered in gold leaf. Hence, Kinkaku-ji, or Temple of the Golden Pavilion. I've been a few times over the years, back in high school and college and, more recently, last month. It's a particularly memorable temple, both for the golden pavilion and the beautiful grounds. The pavilion is set in the temple's center like a huge, bright jewel. It extends over a pond surrounded by garden paths. The pond reflects the pavilion and the path loops around so visitors get a continuous view of the pavilion while also enjoying the lush foliage. I came when the leaves were changing in 2005 and still vividly remember those stunning sights. I gather that Kyoto tourism has blown up over the last several years, and that you should expect enormous crowds at Kinkaku-ji during peak times. It was already busy when we arrived at 9:00, right at opening, on a hot, humid Saturday morning in September. I'm glad we went when we did, though, because both the crowd and the weather were somewhat reasonable. We even got a few pictures before we were completely covered in sweat. The temple is truly spectacular, a world treasure and a mandatory visit if you're a tourist in Kyoto. I'll go back, no matter the crowds or weather, whenever I'm in town.

We took a bus, but we didn't take into account on just how many stops we had to make to get here, so we basically got to the temple 30 minutes before closing (5:00pm). We actually thought it was great timing because it was sunset, and there weren't that many people around! The admission here is between 400-600 yen/person. We went to so many temples during our stay in Japan that I forgot the exact fee. But it was worth it! We were able to explore the gardens, the waterfalls, the streams, and the view. The Golden Pavilion was beautiful and was exactly as I have seen in pictures. Towards the exit of the gardens, you will find souvenir shops, vending machines, the CLEAN public restrooms, and a few eateries. It was closing time, so many of the eateries were closed, and it was a rush to find souvenirs at the shops. I found the grounds to be smaller than some of the shrines and temples we have visited, so I would say the overall amount of time it takes to see everything would be atleast an hour. Definitely come earlier than we did, so you won't feel rushed and just have a leisurely walk through the gardens and honestly, everywhere you look is so picturesque, it would be hard to take a bad shot.

It's also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple as well as the "Golden Pavillion". Particularly if you're a photographer of any sorts, this is another must see in Kyoto as it's a stunningly beautiful golden temple set against a serene backdrop of greenery and a lake. The site of this Buddhist temple dates back to 1397, but the very picturesque golden temple currently in place has stood since "only" 1955. The path around the temple only takes about 20 minutes but it's a very popular and crowded attraction. If you want to get your selfie or portrait with the temple and without someone else in the photo, you just have to be patient and take your turn at a good spot. It's worth it.

Kinkaku-Ji is extremely popular and for good reason. It was one of the absolute must haves on my list for my trip to Japan (more specifically Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto). It is situated quite a ways outside Kyoto proper and is not easily accessible by railway/subway - however many buses will get you here. Admission is reasonable given the up keep needed. We saw some of the trees being pruned from very tall ladders while here. Have to keep the bonsais shaped I suppose. Anyway, we got here early in the day but were going slow and then got passed by hordes of school groups and tourist groups. My recommendation is to get there exactly at 9 when it opens or come late in the day closer to closing. It was beautiful and serene if you could get past all the selfie takers . Overall, I would recommend this if you're going to see at least one temple. We weren't permitted indoors anywhere but it was still well worth the walk on the grounds.

I've heard that interest in Kyoto has surged dramatically in recent years, and that at peak hours, visitors should anticipate sizable crowds at Kinkaku-ji. Should you, for whatever reason, be limited to visiting only one temple during your time in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji ought to be your first choice. Officially known as Rokuon-ji, or Deer Garden Temple, it's difficult to miss the enormous pavilion covered in gold leaf, even though there aren't any actual deer nearby. Thus, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji. It stretches across a pond encircled by flowerbeds. The pond reflects the pavilion and the path loops around so visitors get a continuous view of the pavilion while also enjoying the lush foliage. I came when the leaves were changing in 2005 and still vividly remember those stunning sights. Throughout the years, I've been a few times: in high school, in college, and most recently, last month. The gorgeous gardens and the gilded pavilion make this temple very remarkable. The pavilion is positioned like a massive, brilliant gem in the middle of the temple.

My personal opinion aside, I guess I have to admit that this is a "must visit" spot if you are from abroad. It does look magnificent(to many) and every angle has different face. I personally like the look across the pond with the reflection and the woods in the back. As being the most popular destination for many, it gets so crowded that your zen like patience will be tested. The admission is ¥400 for adult. ¥300 for kids who are in elementary or junior high school.

Another beautiful temple in Kyoto. Nicely laid out. Crowds are overwhelming. Very nice.

We went when there was no wait, but I've heard people standing outside for an hour or more before they open to get inside. Definitely not worth that. The garden itself is kinda small. Obviously people go to see the golden temple which was nice but that's pretty much it. There's some other smaller shrines that I thought were cooler!

Though I enjoyed visiting this site, it was less impressive than some of the other temples in Kyoto. Though it is officially named Rokuonji (Deer Garden Temple), many people call this place Kinkakuji (Golden Temple). This is due to its magnificent color of course. It is a Zen Buddhist temple that is over 600 years old. When I got off the bus, there was a lot of walking and walking until you reach the temple itself. The temple is not too big and the temple grounds consist of a lot of open space. Though this place is peaceful, the grand temple grounds with many structures of a place like Fushimi Inari stand out more.

You have to visit Kinkaku-ji temple when you come to Kyoto as sightseeing! Kinkaku-ji has another name as "Rokuon-ji" but both are same place. There is the golden main building and it is the reason of their name "Kinkaku-ji". "Kin" means gold, therefore we say that as "Kinkaku-jI". You should see the glorious golden building. We have to pay 400 yen for entering inside. But we could get a charm when you pay. It is including priest's soul for praying your happiness and your safe. So, you have not to throw it away. You can get lucky while you have it. We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of temples and shrines) at here. Also, we can buy Kinkaku-ji temple's original book of collecting "Goshuin". It is very gorgeous and cool design because of using golden embroidery. If you want them, you should visit Goshuin office where is near by exit. The book charges 1900 yen and "Goshuin" charges 300 yen. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html 京都観光と言えばココ、金閣寺は外せません。 豪華絢爛の金閣寺本殿はぜひ目に焼き付けて貰いたいところです。 立派なお池と金閣寺、これは格別です。 中に入るには拝観料として大人400円が必要ですが、拝観料を支払うと必ず御守護が頂戴出来ます。 開運招福、家内安全の祈祷が込められていますので、御守護代だと思えば決して高くはありません。 また、金閣寺の御朱印帳は金色の立派な刺繍創りで、御朱印を集めている方には記念に1冊購入してみてはいかがでしょうか。 1900円と少し値がはりますが、ここでしか手に入らないですし、とにかく重厚感があって見事な御朱印帳です。 御朱印帳と御朱印は出口手前の不動堂の右手で頂けます。 御朱印としての志納金は300円です。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html

Rokuonji was a cool sight to see but I after a minute or too I felt like I was done. If you are close to this place but I would not go out of my way to find it. I would not recommend it but if you are in Kyoto and you are 5 minutes away you might as well see it. Pictures do not do this view justice. The palace is extremely unique it just isn't my type of thing.

The Temple of the Golden Pavillion... Our bus let us off at this amazing place... it's so serene and beautiful! I enjoyed burning the incense, ringing the bell, and praying for my family and friends... Also known as Kinkaku (The Golden Pavillion), Rokuon-ji Temple is a very popular Zen Buddhist Temple. Take your time when you visit this amazing place...look at the beautiful reflection on the water...one side was windy with a rippling effect...the other side of the Temple had calm water... both seemed magical! This is an excellent experience! Highly recommended!

This is it. This was the one we HAD to visit despite being completely temple'd out by week 3 in Japan. Of all the dozens of temples and shrines we intentionally and unintentionally visited, this was the final and the most splendid. The moment you step through the entrance, you know it'll be something special. The admission ticket looks like a relic from history; bold black calligraphy with bright red stamps. There were guides ushering people through the path and were fairly pleasant, and even interactive. Moss gardens, stone statues, and ancient trees line the way. It was the most serene thing. We went on a day when it was heavily raining. The garden trails were damp and had that fresh rain smell. The number of tourists were on the low end due to the rain. Suddenly the trees give way to a larger opening surrounding a calm lake. In its midst was the famous Kinkaku-Ji. The rain didn't damper its magnificence in the least as it shined against the grayness. Temple of the Golden Pavilion, indeed. Emphasis on the golden. There's nothing like it, and it's beautiful beyond words. Trailing away from the magnificent temple, you'll be led to a number of familiar temple activities. You'll find a traditional teahouse along the way. We were lucky to get a seat right by the part that was completely open to the forest. Sipping on strong green tea, eating the traditional Kinkaku-Ji branded sweets, and watching the rain fall through the trees was the very definition of zen. Further along, you'll find little roadside stands selling lucky charms and traditional snacks. Wonderful souvenirs, if you need some. We bought some amazing matcha powder with, much to our surprise, gold flakes! Otherwise, the sight and captured memories of Rokuon-ji will serve as some of the most beautiful mementos you can bring home. (11/100) - 2019

Yelp reviews are great, but there are some places in this world that are ABOVE yelp reviews! And this is one of them! If you haven't been, just GO (but of course, make sure you know the logistics). Despite the crowd, traffic, annoying tourists ... just bite the bullet, bring your humbleness, and go! It's worth it because it's an icon. It is likely the photo landmark of Kyoto, the background picture of many Japanese tourist publications and yes the namesake of Yukio Mishima's best book. So what would one criticize about a world class icon and a UNESCO world culture heritage site? One can't. One may hate the crowds and noise and congestion getting in or out but, hey, it's one of the most famous places in the whole Japan. So, my only tip here is, be humble and be tolerant of the thousands of other people who happen to be there when you are. Many photo opportunities so pay close attention if you want to snatch a few iconic views.

Cool gold temple that we waited forever for with a huge crowd was ok. Kind of a tiny place that we finished walking around within 30 mintues and you can't re-enter once you exit. So we back tracked and saw it again to get our monies worth. arigatou gozaimasu!

Beautiful area. Very busy with tourists. You can buy a ticket and enter the grounds. The golden pavilion is visible from almost all angles. There isn't much explanation about what it is or what it was for. The park it is situated in is very serene. This is not for handicap visitors. There is a lot of walking and no way to avoid the stairs. I saw a woman in a wheelchair and her family was struggling. Bathrooms available, not the cleanest. Parking is plentiful.

Very popular and overrun by visitors, but his site is a must for anyone visiting Kyoto. Gold foil on lacquer covers the first two floors of Kinkaku and a shining Phoenix stands on top of the shingled roof. Built in the 12th century. Expect to spend about 1-2 hours just taking in the lovely park and buildings along this walk. For excellent guides for the day, contact Triple Lights tour company for all over Japan. Just run a web search for that name.

The thing to do in Kyoto is to see temples. Kyoto was the old capital of Japan so there is a lot of history and countless temples and shrines that are well preserved. So how does one even choose which ones to see? Honestly, I was drawn by the pictures of a majestic gold pavilion. We arrived to Kinkaku-ji by local bus, which was an easy ride. Luckily the bus system is English friendly and reminds you which stops are convenient to certain temples and shrines. Admission was 400 yen. We arrived around noon on a Saturday and the grounds were fairly busy, but not over-crowded. You can also take a guided tour for an additional fee or choose to explore on your own. The main attraction is the golden pavilion. It is absolutely beautiful and stunning and truly the pictures do not do it justice. If you want to see a temple that is unique, this is the one. You'll get a gorgeous panoramic view from across the pond and a closer view on a path that winds around the pavilion, but there is no access into the pavilion. The rest of the tour takes you through the gardens where you'll have sights of peaceful waterfalls and a tea house and towards the end there is a gift shop with some yummy goodies (and samples!). I was glad we included this in our Kyoto itinerary. On the map, it is a bit further but worth venturing out to see.

This place is definitely a must see if you are visiting Kyoto, Japan. I remember being here many years ago when it was a quiet peaceful place but it's now packed with many tourist. You really have to be aggressive to get a good photo! Getting here by local bus was pretty easy but we couldn't figure out which JR bus so we couldn't take advantage of using our JR pass. If you plan to travel to many cities in Japan for at least 7 days, be sure to consider buyinh the JR Rail Pass which you can only purchase outside of Japan.

Continuing on a short tour around Kyoto, we came upon this temple. Admittedly, I haven't seen a golden temple like this and the sight is pretty. The gold foiled temple surrounded by a pond gives it a bit of a unattainable/mystical appearance...like something from a movie. However, other than the temple, there's not much of interest. You'll see small statues of Buddha with stone cups surrounding them. Supposedly, if you toss a coin and it lands in a cup, you'll receive good luck. I'll save my carnival game acumen for Dave n' Busters. You'll see a lot of women in their kimono attire in this site. My tour guide explained to me that the kimonos have a lash around the waist. According to him, young women with the bow in front signifies them being single. There were quite a few in the vicinity while I was there. So you're saying there's a chance...

We went during fall foliage. Even though it was too early and wasn't happening much yet the crowds here were massive. I guess most of the year it's the same. I was literally pushed a few times , so would not interfere with a person posing with Kinkakuji behind them across the lake. The crowd control attendants here really have their job cut out for them. They do it with some humor, at least the person there when I came. Sure the view is beautiful - what's not to love about a gold painted pavilion shimmeringly reflected in the water with trees on rocks in the foreground? But once you get close you realize it's a basic building with no effort made in design or embellishments to the structure. I guess gold speaks volumes. The rest of the gardens are fairly unremarkable too. Really, if you want to see Kyoto's best temples, skip this one if you're short on time. I did last time I was here and having finally seen it, I stand firm in my opinion. Maybe if you're here at the height of summer you'll be lucky to miss the crowds, which really destroy the enjoyment. But I doubt it.

Ah, the golden temple in Kyoto! Tourist spots are not all bad, especially when they're world heritage sites. When my girlfriend and I saw pictures of Kyoto's famous golden palace, had we to come visit. This was one of our first stops in the prefecture and it was totally worth it. Was about a 20-30 minute bus ride from the Nishiki Market are, and the crowds weren't too bad despite the fame of this landmark. It was less than $10 to enter and we spent around 1-2 hours here! Lots of awesome pictures, and I loved that you could pretty much stand next to the temple. There were also other things to see in the area too. Definitely worth your time, and I give the golden temple an "Omg, I'd travel 2 hours for this" rating. Have fun and prosper,

We followed the route up the hill from the bus stop. There was someone wearing a vest that said English that helped direct us and then men helping us get across the street.There were many clean bathrooms, snack stands and gift shops selling blessings. We paid four dollars each and went onto the grounds following a path through a garden admiring the gold temple. This Buddhist temple is from the 1300s and the garden was meticulously cared for. The hall is closed to the public And used for official functions.

A must see place for a Kyoto beginner tourist! This golden temple is absolutely beautiful. The location is off from the center so you would have to utilize the city bus. You could take a train as well but the train station is far from the temple. At the nearest bus stop, there are usually a few employees working and can tell you which bus going where. If you are going to use the bus then I recommend buying all day pass for 500yen. It was busy during the time I visited here but not too the point where I wouldn't have a good photo opportunity. If you want some peace and quiet, then I recommend going as early as possible. They open at 9am. If you go on a sunny day with no wind, you might be able to take a picture of the golden temple with a reflection on the water. They also sell cute lucky charms like Hello Kitty designs and some Kyoto gourmet with samples for you to try out.

Rokuonji is one of my favorite places I have visited in Kyoto. It was that surreal. What made it even better was that I barely looked up any pictures of it online before I went. I had no idea what to expect other than a "golden temple". Rukounji, also known as Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and one of the most popular tourist attractions here. There is an entrance fee but it was only 400 yen so pretty cheap. Rukounji looks absolutely beautiful. Hopefully you come on a sunny day because you will get some amazing pictures. Unfortunately, you can only admire from afar. You are not allowed inside the temple. They have a bunch of souvenir shops at the end and a rest area where you can try matcha soft serve. If you're in Kyoto, don't miss Rukounji. It's one of the beat tourist attractions!

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as The Golden Pavilion, is a registered World Cultural Heritage Site in Kyoto. Gold foil pieces cover the outside of the temple, shimmering brightly even on an overcast day. So on a sunny day, you'd definitely need sunglasses. Probably the best viewing spot for photos is across the pond, where you can capture the temple with its reflection across the water. But keep in mind this area is very crowded. Also as you walk along the garden paths, you have the opportunity to see the temple up close too. Overall a beautiful site and a must-visit in Kyoto.

Beautiful place with wonderful gardens and a stunning view of the golden palace. This place is a bit off the beaten path but yields extremely nice views and a quaint/pleasant atmosphere. The palace itself is a bit smaller than expected but the ability to talk around and see it from all angles makes this place that much more appreciated. The grounds are also extremely well maintained and provide beautiful picturesque 360deg views. I have been here several times and will likely come back as there just is something beautiful about this place that just draws your attention. Pros- Views Historical Immaculate grounds Nice walking paths Very picturesque Gorgeous during cherry blossoms Cons- A bit off the beaten path

Beautiful, but temper your expectations. The golden pavilion itself is stunning and on a clear sunny day, it is truly a great photo waiting to be had. Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult to actually appreciate the area, because like most of Kyoto, it's infested with tourists being loud and rude. Luckily, I went last week when it had been raining in the morning so many people didn't show up and I was able to get a really nice shot of the place. But, don't go expecting some zen retreat. Now, the silver pavilion, Ginkakuji, may have what you're looking for. Also, be aware that there's a fee to get into the place, they've taken full advantage of the Tourist boom. It's about 400 Yen if I recall correctly.

RUKUON-JI / KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE Our seventh and last stop in Kyoto during our day of sightseeing. We got to the Kinkakuji Temple on Tuesday, April 12th around 4:30pm. Also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, this is the famous gold temple. There is a ¥400 per person entrance fee and it's totally worth it to see the beautiful temple. How many temples are coated in gold?! Gorgeous when lit by the sun. I wish I could have gotten closer, but the best photo op is actually across the pond in the front. Since we went in the late afternoon, we got some pretty pictures from behind as you can really see the gold from that point of view. Beautiful temple. Definitely a must see if in Kyoto.

One of the most famous Buddhist Temple! Just watching at that piece of art is outstanding, it shines like pure gold! Magical. Uno de los templos Budistas más famoso! Sólo mirar esta pieza de arte es excepcional, brilla como si fuera de oro puro! Mágico.

This is not the BIGGEST palace you'll see but it's a must selfie with if you're gonna be in Kyoto Palace hopping. The golden brilliance of this castle is a great place for pictures. The lake is beautiful and the stone gardens are lovely to walk around and the bonsais are well manicured. I imagine every season will have its beauty but I went in the summer and the green and gold were brilliant in pictures. It's actually super hard to get a good picture since everyone WANTS to take a picture with this. I recommend to go all the way to the left end to get the BEST shot of this thing. The rest of the gardens is the same as everywhere else but it's very large for walking around if you're down to adventure around. After 9 palaces everything starts to blur. But this is definitely a place to go.

Rokuon-ji / Kinkaku-ji Temple: The Kyoto money shot. Right here. You can come here, get your selfie stick out, and go to town trying to look as serene as the Golden Pavilion. In fact, there were so many selfie sticks when Jamie W. and I were here that it looked like a battle scene from "Braveheart" with very geeky spears. Admission is only ￥400 which comes with a lovely souvenir ticket (photo: http://bit.ly/1OVMPuf), but what a zoo it was to maneuver around the grounds and take a simple photo here. Busload after busload of tourists would keep crowding around the ever-tightening shore of the reflecting pond to get this shot (photo: http://bit.ly/1QdGtHL). Sure, it was worth tripping the nun over the hedge to get it because the brilliant gold leaf shimmers even on an overcast day. She could pull herself up with her walker anyway. However, the meditative nature of the sight was violated by the swarming masses. It was seriously like that scene in "The Poseidon Adventure" when the naysaying passengers desperately climb the upside-down Christmas tree only to have it topple over since they didn't have billing in the movie. The temple was built as a villa for a shogun in 1397, but a crazed monk set it on fire in 1950 like a scene from "The Walking Dead". It was rebuilt in 1955, and that's why it looks as pristine as it does now. It's also probably the reason nobody can walk close to it. The visit gets pretty anticlimactic from there as you walk up a hill and throw coins at various statues (photo: http://bit.ly/1SoLWg6), view a teahouse and then find yourself in the middle of a shopping area where the Fudodo Shrine is (photo: http://bit.ly/1JRf7pD). Uh-oh, here comes that nun. She looks mad.

Famous Golden Temple. you want the history Wiki it. It's an awesome sight to see, but gets really crowded. Before entering the Temple there is a little shrine outside w/a Bell hanging. 300 yen to ring it once and you'll get a nice post card. Well worth it just to get it rung!!! When you walking in you will have to follow and go in an orderly directions. It's hard for foreigners to follow, but trust me the Japanese does it right and it will be seamless and you'll get all the perspective and angles for your viewing pleasure. Of course w/the crowd picture opps are quite hard. Looking back at the photo, i love the reflection of the temple off the pond. The way it sits at the center in the calm, while chaos is going around it's surreal. If you miss the bell going in, once you exit make sure to go back to get it rung, b/c you can leave the premise in a few directions. We ended up taking the bus to the scholar road. Also public transit can get heavy w/everyone trying to head back into the city, but good news is the buses comes often w/multiple lines to take you back. Happy Viewing 有名な黄金寺院。あなたは歴史ウィキそれをしたいです。それは見るために素晴らしい光景ですが、本当に混雑します。寺院に入る前にベルぶら下げ/ワット外のほとんどの神社があります。 300円は、一度リングに、あなたは素敵なポストカードを取得します。それはちょうどそれが鳴らさ取得するだけの価値！ あなたはあなたの中を歩いたときに従い、秩序ある方向に移動する必要があります。外国人は従いますが、日本人は右のそれをしない私を信頼し、それがシームレスになり、あなたの観覧の喜びのために、すべての視点や角度を買ってあげることは難しいです。もちろんワット/群衆の画像OPPSは非常に困難です。 写真で振り返ってみると、私は池オフ寺の反射を愛します。それは非現実的だの周りに混乱が起こっている間に方法は、それは、穏やかな中央に位置しています。 あなたが行く鐘を逃した場合、あなたはそれがラングを取得するために戻っていることを確認してください終了した後、B / Cあなたは、いくつかの方向に前提を残すことができます。私たちは、学者の道にバスを取ることになりました。また、公共交通機関は、誰もが戻って街へ向かうことにしよう/ワット重い得ることができますが、良いニュースは、バスで戻ってあなたを取るために、しばしばワット/複数行に来ます。 ハッピー表示

Known as the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji Temple in most travel information. We were in Japan during Cherry Blossom season recently. As such, all the major tourist sites were packed with visitors including here. People joke about selfie sticks but here the selfie stick comes in handy if you're after a Kodak moment shot. We got here on the #56 bus after visiting Ryoanji Zen Temple down the road. We thought maybe we could walk, but after seeing it was a gradual uphill climb, we opted to waiting for the bus. After all, we wanted to make use of our ICOCA transit card. The bus dropped off us at the front entrance to Kinkakuji. After we paid our entrance fee, it was a very brief walk until we spotted the Golden Pavilion. After taking our Kodak moment shot with our selfie stick, we walked around. Not much more really after that. With all the hype surrounding the Golden Pavilion, it was somewhat a letdown. We bought some green matcha tea from a store vendor and exited out. Walked a block down and caught the #101 to Nijo Castle.

If you grew up watching the Ikkyū-san anime, you would probably be as excited as I was when I arrived at Kinkaku-Ji Temple. It was like the anime came to life right before my eyes. Even if you haven't watched Ikkyū-san, Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) is definitely a must-see temple for anyone visiting Kyoto. Formally known as Rokuonji, this temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After he passed away, the villa became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect in 1408. The most memorable scene is across the pond, where you can clearly see the temple's reflection across the water. I also like the small shops that offer Hello Kitty charms that are sold exclusively in Kyoto. It's quite a workout to completely walk around the temple, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

The most shining and elegant golden pavilion, with the perfect reflection in the water. Its official name is Rokuon-ji, which has several beautiful gardens around. This place is also known because of the famous Japanese anime Ikkyū-san, and it was a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

The "Golden Temple" is perhaps the 1st or 2nd most popular Kyoto tourist destination...thrown in cherry blossom season and it is seriously crowded AF! Get here before 10am to avoid the tourist crush. Its probably not that bad outside of cherry blossom season. Originally built in 1393, it has since been destroyed and rebuilt twice, the structure you see was actually recently rebuilt in 1955...some rogue monk set the previous temple on fire in 1950. This is a relatively quick visit, I don't think most people need to spend much more than 30 minutes here. You don't actually walk inside the temple, but there are plenty of great photo opportunities along the one way dirt path that goes through the delightful park...its just not very peaceful when you're surrounded by mobs of annoying tourists.

Another excellent temple that has been preserved here in West Kyoto. The grounds here is incredibly large. Behind the temple is trail that leads out to the Bamboo forrest so you can take in two of the areas sites in quick recession while site seeing. Inside the temple is a strict no shoe policy. Dont be the person that stomps past the shoe area at the beginning. Lol. That was me. This temple is not as ornate as the others in the area but still neat to see all the same. The gardens are exceptional here. If you are going to choose between one of the two when buying a ticket. Go with the gardens. You walk along the side of the temple and honestly I was looking out at the garden most of the time.

I have been here in all the seasons and this place never fails to impress regardless. The summer and autumn seasons bring massive crowds, offer great beauty, and it can be tricky to take a large group picture in front of the main "picture-taking area" without getting yelled at by the security guards (since it is not allowed anymore due to all the tourists). If you are a photographer like me, you will never tire of the great shots you get. Bring a filter set to get even better high dynamic shots of the temple with the sky and the water/trees! The paths direct you around the pond and up the hills, with small shops and wishing ponds to cast your coins into. Vending machines in the parking lot to offer quick snacks. Entrance fee: 400 yen/per adult