Attractions
Be dazzled by golden Kinkaku ji
Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the most popular buildings in Kyoto, attracting many visitors annually.
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Be dazzled by golden Kinkaku ji
JAPAN // How do you choose an ultimate temple in a city with more than 2000 temples and shrines? Kinkaku-ji is not Kyoto's oldest temple nor the most spiritually important but it is, quite simply, one of Japan's most impressive sights. Coated in gold leaf, its reflection shimmering in the pond below, the Golden Pavilion is beautiful at any time: in autumn on a backdrop of blazing maple leaves, in winter with its curved eaves carrying a dusting of snow, or under the brilliance of the summer sunshine. Though the original structure dates from 1397, the current pavilion was restored in 1955 after a troubled and fanatical young monk burned it to the ground - a story that was fictionalised in Mishima Yukio's The Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Undiminished, Kinkaku-ji always attracts hordes of admirers. Try to visit early on a weekday, or later, when the temple glows at sunset.
What is Kinkaku-ji famous for?
The main structure of Kinkaku-ji is known as the "Golden Pavilion" because of its gold-plated covering. This temple was originally built in 1397 AD as a retreat and retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who was a Japanese shogun. After Yoshimitsu's death, Kinkakuji was given to Zen Buddhist monks.
Is Kinkaku-ji real gold?
The Golden Pavilion (金閣, Kinkaku) is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. The upper two floors of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf. This pavilion serves as a sheridan (舎利殿), a place to store Buddha's relics (Buddha's ashes).
Can you go inside Kinkaku-ji?
Can I see inside the buildings? Normally, you can only visit the gardens. Togudo, Hojo (Abbot Quarter) and Roseitei are accessible to the public during special openings only in spring and autumn. Furthermore, the Kannonden (pavilion) is not open to the public.
How long does it take to see Kinkaku-ji?
20-30 minutes
What is Kyoto best known for?
Kyoto is mainly famous for its hundreds of temples and shrines. In total, there are more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. There are two main religions in Japan - Shinto and Buddhism. They live side by side and many Japanese follow both religions in their daily lives.