Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion

Over the centuries, the building has gone through several difficult periods. The apogee of this unfortunate period? 1950, when a monk deliberately set fire to the pavilion, which was then completely destroyed. This event inspired writer Yukio Mishima's novel The Golden Pavilion. The current building is a reconstruction completed in 1955, then covered with a new layer of gold leaf in the 1980s.

In 1994, Kinkaku-ji was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". A consecration for this exceptional temple.

The Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji owes its name to the gold leaves that cover its two upper floors. This decoration was intended to display the shogun's prestige, while symbolizing purity in the Buddhist tradition.

The building is also distinguished by its architecture, with each floor adopting a different style. The second floor was inspired by the aristocratic residences of the Heian period (794-1185), while the second was inspired by samurai architecture. The third floor is designed in Zen style. At the top is a golden phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and prosperity.

A must-see temple in Kyoto

With almost 5 million visitors a year, Kinkaku-ji is a must-see in Kyoto. It's one of Japan's most emblematic monuments! Its gold-covered pavilion, reflected in the waters of the Kyōko-chi pond, offers a view that has spanned the centuries. And the layout of the building and gardens illustrates Japanese landscape art at its most representative.

Unlike some temples, the Golden Pavilion presents a different face every season.

The spring cherry trees, the maple trees of autumn and the snowfall in winter constantly renew the landscape, offering a different experience with every visit.

The route crosses the temple gardens and leads to several vantage points from which to admire the pavilion from different angles. Along the way, you'll also discover shrines, statues and other elements that bear witness to the history and spiritual dimension of the site.

Practical tips

Located in the north-west of Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji is easily accessible by bus from the city's main tourist areas. The visit lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, but we advise you to get there early in the morning to enjoy the site without the pressure of crowds.

Please note that it is not possible to enter the pavilion, which houses several Buddha relics.

Further information

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Opening hours:daily, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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