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Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

4.4
#2 of 49,715 in Things to do in Japan
Must see · Religious Site · Tourist Spot
With its top two stories completely coated in pure gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji gleams in the sunlight and reflects off the pond at its edge. This Zen Buddhist temple started as a villa for a powerful statesman in the 14th century, before its conversion to a temple by the family of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. After a high-profile arson in 1950, the temple was rebuilt in its current form with ostentatious gold leaf coating to echo the extravagance of aristocratic culture in Yoshimitsu’s time. Look out for the different historical architectural styles represented by each floor of the temple. Plan to visit Kinkaku-ji and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Kyoto attractions using our Kyoto online holiday planner.
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Tours to Kinkaku-ji

FROM $157 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour
5.0
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Tours from $157 »
FROM $133 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyoto Early Bird Tour
5.0
Duration: 5 hours 15 minutes
Tours from $133 »
FROM $177 BOOK WITH VIATOR 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour
4.9
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Tours from $177 »

Kinkaku-ji reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
17,023 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By Kylie M
    Fantastic visit to the temple, got some great photos. Very tranquil gardens and surrounds even though crowded.  more »
  • By KRLaurence
    It's a very busy temple and you do need to keep moving around but it's worth seeing. Possibly the most beautiful temple I was able to see in Japan  more »
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Google
  • By Hanna Zi
    Packed of people when we came, however it was a very nice place. The temple looked surreal, and you can buy some gifts and Souvenirs outside of the temple. Avoid going around midday tho, too many people makes it hard to take some good decent photos. Easy to get here by bus. Very fast services in Kyoto and constant so you don’t have to wait very long. We came in summer and it was really hot. Definitely will return, maybe a different season tho.
  • By Egbert Sow
    It's a victim of its own popularity. There's just way too many of us tourists to make it a pleasant experience. Pro tip, go early, or late, when the sun is low on the sky, so that pictures will have a good glimmer. Evening sun reflects of the lake for a nice shimmer as well.
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