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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Kyoto
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
# 1   of 46 sights
in Kyoto

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji.

In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408.

The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950.

How to get there
Kinkakuji can be accessed by direct bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station. A faster variant is taking the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station from where the temple can be reached in a short bus or taxi ride.

How to get to and around Kyoto

Hours and Fees
Hours:9:00 to 17:00
Closed:No closing days
Admission:400 yen

News and Reports
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
November 26, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Light Up
November 25, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Ohara
November 22, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
November 21, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama
November 19, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama
November 18, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama
November 16, 2009
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
November 12, 2009

Travel Community
Popularity of Kinkakuji:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 2237
Users who have been to Kinkakuji: 1282

1st of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
11th of 589 most visited sights nationwide.

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English Links
Kinkaku-ji (Shokoku-ji)
Official English website.

Japanese Links
Kinkaku-ji (Shokoku-ji)
Official website.

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