Kyoto Attractions
Kinkakuji © JNTO
Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)
One of Kyoto’s most popular attractions is to the north of
the city. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a three-storey
pavilion covered in gold leaf, glittering in the waters of a calm
pond. Kinkakuji was built in 1397 as a retirement home for Shogun
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who lived there in luxury until he died in
1408, after which the building was converted into a Zen temple. In
1950 a mad monk burnt the pavilion down, and it was not rebuilt
until 1955. Today it is covered in gold leaf five times thicker
than the original coating, and presents an awesome sight. A short
walk from the pavilion is Ryoanji, Japan’s most famous Zen
rock garden, laid out in the 15th century. A veranda overlooks the
garden in which 15 rocks are set among raked white pebbles.
Address: 1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto;
Website: www.shokoku-ji.or.jp;
Transport: Bus 101 or 205 from Kyota Station or subway;
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm;
Admission: ¥400 (adults), ¥300 (children)
