Kinkakuji Temple – The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Ainnelise Niyvold Liundbye UPDATED: 22 NOV 2020
As Japan’s former capital Kyoto has a rich history and an exceptional number of well-preserved historic temples and shrines. Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto is one of these temples which has obtained status as a World Heritage Site. Not many visitors come to Kyoto without getting a glimpse of the sublimely beautiful Kinkakuji Temple, or to English speaking foreigners The Golden Pavilion.
Where to stay in Kyoto? Kyoto Yoko and Akira Guesthouse 600 m from the Nijo Castle, Centurion Cabin & Spa Kyoto unique capsule rooms & public bath in the heart of Kyoto, The Hotel Kiyomizu Gion near Gion, the Kamo River & Kiyomizudera Temple.
Inspiration for your Japan trip: Tokyo in 3 days and 11 Temples and shrines in Kyoto and Tokyo travel guide
Kinkakuji Temple is an outstanding, gold-plated pavilion, scenically located in the Kitayama district at a tiny mirror lake with small islands and pine trees as the setting. Still mirror images of the trees reflected in the water picturesquely surround The 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 unquestionably one of the most famous temples in the entire country.
Elegant, gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple.
Originally, 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’s death in 1408 the temple was eventually converted into a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in accordance with 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 floor is laid out in the samurai style and has the Buddha Hall with a shrine dedicated to Kannon, as well as painted walls and ceilings decorated with birds. The top floor is designed in the Zen architectural style. Most famed is the temple probably for its sumptuous golden look. The exterior of the two upper floors of the picture-postcard temple are lavishly covered in gold-leaf, and so is the interior of the very top floor.
This is infinitely close to pure beauty. The panoramic setting is like an embellished naturalist painting and a true masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
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Kinkakuji Temple has been subject to both 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, latest in 1950 when it was set on fire by a monk.
Kinkakuji Temple gave in the 15th century with its uniqueness inspiration to the construction of another imposing temple, namely the Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion) in Kyoto.
Located 600 m from the Nijo Castle. Rooms have a kitchenette equipped with kitchenware, a fridge, a washing machine and a microwave. Air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi.
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New capsule rooms and spacious 24-hour public baths with sauna in the heart of Kyoto. Linen and towels provided. Washing machines, dryers and lockers. Wi-Fi. For the unique capsule experience.
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Located close to Gion, the Kamo River and the Kiyomizudera Temple. Free happy hour from 20:00-23:00. An Asian breakfast is available for an additional fee.
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Check out our recommended 3-day itinerary for Kyoto and Nara.
You may also want to read 11 Must-See Temples and Shrines in Kyoto.
If you need travel tips for Japan, check out this guide Facts about Tokyo – Travel Guide.
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