Kinkakuji Temple
The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto has a rich history and an unusually large number of well-preserved historic temples and shrines. Kinkakuji Temple is one of those temples in Kyoto that has achieved the status of a World Heritage Site. Not many visitors come to Kyoto without catching a glimpse of the sublimely beautiful Kinkakuji Temple, also known as The Golden Pavilion.
Why is Kinkakuji Temple famous? Kinkakuji Temple is an outstanding, gold-plated pavilion, scenically located in the Kitayama district at a tiny lake with small islands and pine trees as the setting. Mirror images of the trees reflected in the water surrounding the ever-picturesque Golden Pavilion. The small pond, the Kyokochi Pond, was once filled with lotus plants. Due to its scenic location and its golden appearance, this is undoubtedly one of the most famous temples in the entire country.
Elegant, gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple – Golden Temple Kyoto | Photo: Travel In Culture
What is the history of Kinkakuji Temple? In 1397, it was built as a retirement pavilion for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408). Ashikaga Yoshimitsu acquired the land around the lake from the statesman Saionji Kintsune. After the shogun died in 1408, the temple was eventually converted into a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple following the shogun’s wishes. Later, the temple was renamed Rokuonji after the shogun’s religious title.
The pavilion is an intriguing mix of three architectural styles. The ground floor is constructed in the architectural style of the Heian period (794-1185). This floor features a veranda and a fishing deck. The middle storey is laid out in samurai style and has the Buddha Hall with a shrine dedicated to Kannon and painted walls and ceilings decorated with birds. The top floor is designed in a Zen architectural style. Most famous, the temple is probably for its opulent golden appearance.
This is infinitely close to pure beauty. The panoramic setting is like an embellished naturalist painting and a true masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
Kinkakuji Temple – The Golden Pavilion Kyoto
The Kinkakuji Kyoto Temple has been subject to fires and wars (the Onin War 1467-1477). The pavilion has burnt down several times throughout history and has miraculously been as splendidly and luxuriously rebuilt every time afterwards. Most recently, in 1950, the temple was set on fire by a monk.
In the 15th century, the uniqueness of Kinkakuji Temple inspired the construction of another impressive temple in Kyoto, namely Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion).
What are the must-sees in Kyoto? If you are staying in Tokyo and plan to make a trip to Kyoto, then you can find inspiration in our 3-day itinerary for Kyoto and Nara. The itinerary includes a visit to Kinkakuji Temple and other significant temples and shrines in Kyoto. They include Higashi Honganji, Ginkakuji Temple (the Silver Pavilion), Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Ryoanji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Heian Shrine. Moreover, you can visit the historic Gion District, Pontocho District, and the Higashiyama District, famous for their old-style picturesque wooden houses and traditional geisha history.
Kinkakuji Temple – The Golden Pavilion Kyoto
In addition to the sights in Kyoto, you may also want to visit some of the top attractions in Nara. Nara was Japan’s first capital, and the present-day small town also exudes a fascinating history and magnificent temple architecture from its heyday. You can easily reach Nara by train during your Kyoto trip.
For more insight into Kyoto’s spectacular temples and shrines — and to find out which ones you should include in your Kyoto itinerary — besides the Golden Pavilion Temple (Golden Temple – Japan), you can also read 11 Must-See Temples and Shrines in Kyoto where you will get an introduction to some of the absolute top shrines in Kyoto.
If you need general travel tips for Japan, you might want to take a look at our Tokyo travel guide, which provides useful facts about Tokyo and Japan (including what to see & do, accommodation options, price level, climate, transport and safety):
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Kinkakuji Temple – The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto:
Travel In Culture
