Kinkakuji Temple Kyoto, Golden Pavilion Rokuonji Walking Tour | Japan Travel VLOG 2024 🇯🇵

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Explore Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as Rokuon-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, famous for its stunning gold-leaf exterior and serene gardens.

1 place · 1 experience

Experience · 1 place
Witnessing the Golden Pavilion at Sunset
afternoon
Enter Kinkaku-ji Temple through the main gate and time your visit for around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The sunlight at this hour emits a dazzling brilliance on the Kinkaku Shariden, making it look especially resplendent and golden under the glow of the sunset. Don't miss capturing its stunning reflection in the pond, which creates a truly elegant and magnificent art painting.
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Kinkaku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (70,689)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
One of Kyoto's must-visit attractions, officially named Hokuzan Rokuon Zenji or Rokuon-ji. It's famously known as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple) because its Shariden building's exterior walls are decorated with 20 kg of gold foil. Originally rebuilt in 1397 by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. The current building was reconstructed in 1955 after being destroyed by arson in 1950, faithfully following the original design.
Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Kinkaku Shariden (Golden Pavilion) — The iconic Golden Pavilion, especially resplendent and golden under the glow of the sunset. Its reflection in the pond creates a magnificent art painting. The three floors showcase different architectural styles: the first floor is traditional aristocratic Heian period, the second features samurai style, and the third represents Zen Buddhist temple construction.
Rikushu no Matsu (600-year-old pine tree) — A remarkable 600-year-old pine tree, originally transplanted from a pot, showcasing the temple's long history and meticulous gardening.
Gingasen (tea spring) — This is the spring water historically used by Lord Yoshimitsu for making tea, a serene spot as you walk along the stone path towards the back mountain.
Gankasui (hand-washing spring) — The spring water used by Lord Yoshimitsu for washing his hands, another historical feature found in the temple's rear garden area.
Ryumon-taki (Dragon Gate Waterfall) and Koi-ishi (Carp Stone) — A picturesque waterfall feature, complemented by the Carp Stone, adding to the tranquil beauty of the temple's landscape.
Hakuja no Tsuka (White Serpent Mound) — This mound enshrines the white serpent, believed to be the messenger of Benzaiten, a significant deity in Japanese Buddhism.
Sekkatei Teahouse — A historic teahouse built for offering tea to the Emperor. From here, you can gaze at Kinkaku-ji Temple, offering a unique perspective of the Golden Pavilion.
Fudo-do Hall — This hall enshrines Fudo Myō-ō, a revered deity believed to be very efficacious. It's a place for quiet contemplation before exiting the temple grounds.