A Guide to Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion - Kyoto

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A Guide to Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion - Kyoto: Many Japanese people had known Kinkakuji temple (金閣寺) as Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a Zen temple and also is the most popular temple in Kyoto. The temple used to be the relaxing place for Ashikaga family, and it also has been used to be a place for produce the famous cartoon name “Ikkyu San”. The temple is located in Kyoto, Japan. It was built since 1955. The signature of this temple is Phi-nix bird at the top of the temple and the gold leaf that covered in the top two stories. The temple was surrounding with small canals and pond, it is so beautiful and lovely garden. The temple is also listed in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in 1994.

What to do:

Kinkakuji temple is a three story building by each floor uses different architectural style and the top two stories of this temple are also covered with pure gold leaf as well. You can walk through each floor and see the beautiful decoration that decorates in different style in each floor. Also for the outside, you will see the beautiful landscaping surrounding the temple.

There is souvenir shop located near to the existing gate; here you can buy some gifts for your friend and your family. Also near to Fudo Hall's building there is a place that you can hang a piece of wood with your wish. For the local people they believe that if you hang a piece of wood here your wish will become true.

How to get in:

The temple opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It very easily to get there, you just take a bus (routes 101, 102, 204, 205) to Kinkakuji-michi station (金閣寺道). Then walk around 300 meters (5 minutes) you will see the temple.

Please Note: We recommended you for the easily ways to travel in this city is buy Kyoto City Buses One Day Pass (500 yen) then you can take a bus from anywhere around Kyoto. You can buy it from Tourist information center. It is located in the right hand side when you get out from the station.

Fees/Permits:

Adult: 400 yen

Children: 300 yen

Where to sleep:

There are several hotels and hostel range from cheap to expensive one. I would recommend you to book hotel in downtown because it easy for you to travel by public transportation.