About
Location :
Added by Jopie, at 06 January 2017
Opening Hours
- Monday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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10 Reviews
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30 November 2017
I came to this place one afternoon this fall. The temple is really beautiful especially under the sunset. The wall of the temple sparkled so brightly that I could not leave. I will definitely come back here again
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26 November 2017
Following my Japanese friend it is probably the most famous monument to visit in Japan. It is just wonderful. The best period to visit is around November to see the red colour of the tree leaves. However, you will have to survive to a crowded place full of tourist. Price of the entrance was 600 yens.
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22 November 2017
Went here since it's considered as one of the famous landmarks of Kyoto. Tranquil and picturesque. It's not as elaborate as other temples in Asia but definitely has its own distinction. Note that this is not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
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17 November 2017
A unique temple which is stunning, surrounded by a tranquil pond. There are a few other places along the short trail worthy of pictures and looking at. Inexpensive and a short stop, if you are hoping to explore more nearby. The whole trail, while stopping for pictures, can be completed in 30-60 minutes. The trail ends with small shops selling souvenirs and refreshments. Expect a large crowd with many tour groups but little time will be spent waiting.. I've visited twice and enjoyed it. Both times, I was captivated by the golden temple on the lake. Recommend visiting if you are traveling to Kyoto.
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14 September 2017
Not Golden enough!
Our guide said that in Japan all temples are Buddhist and all shrines are Shinto. He also said that Shrines are free while temples carry a fee. Well, this is a Buddhist Temple and there was a fee. If you are wheelchair bound then the pebble paths make this a difficult place to navigate and the stairs at the end are not possible. It feels like the joys of enlightenment are only for the able bodied but I assure that they are not!
I wish there were more explanations given in English to the foreign traveller at the site. Yes, It is breathtaking to see a Golden temple placed at the edge of a small lake. Yes, the landscape with the delicate covering of moss with sculptured trees, banzai and pebbles is peaceful and extraordinary. However if someone is not aligned to the forces of nature then one must struggle to make sense of the reasons behind Zen and the temple. I implore the site management that this is an opportunity to share the values of Japan and Zen that the wider world needs right now.
The visitor will enjoy this walk through the gardens and provided they are not too distracted by the throngs of tourist will walk away with a sense of peace. Pay close attention to the islands in the small lake with the magnificent displays of trees. Even with all the other tourist milling around this will take you to a sense of peace.
I only managed to visit a few temples on my visit to Kyoto but this was one that allowed you to really feel some peace. Maybe the best reason for visiting this site and not for the "bling".response / report this review -
17 April 2017
Beautiful garden and temple. A "must-see" in Kyoto. A little overrated because of it's golden colour - therefore big crowds in the garden. Other more beautiful temples can be visited in Kyoto. Try to visit on a weekday instead of weekend.
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08 April 2017
Being a Zen buddhist temple, the building is splendidly ornate being decorated with gold leaves on the exterior. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan.
Beautiful golden pavilion and very lovely ground. Easy to stroll through on the designated path and enjoy all the sights.response / report this review -
03 April 2017
Beautiful place. Visit during morning since the sun is in front of the temple and you can get nice light on the temple and the reflection on the pond in front of the temple. The garden surrounding the temple is very beautiful and the walk around the temple complex is quite refreshing.
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19 February 2017
Yet another "Must visit" place in Kyoto. This stunning golden temple is surrounded by a well landscaped garden and a pond which offers some magnificent views. the glowing of the temple with the presence of sunlight is breathtaking. This is one of the most popular places among both local and foreign tourists and thus, it's crowded most of the time. Nevertheless, it's absolutely worth the visit. Apart from taking a taxi, the easiest way to access is via the bus service from Kyoto station 京都駅前（バス）to Kinkakuji road 金閣寺道（バス）which costs 230 Yen per trip and takes about 45 minutes.
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13 January 2017
A stunning temple that is definitely worth a visit. I'd consider this one of the musts for Kyoto. Crowds are difficult to manage and can be quite aggressive (some push into your shots), so be prepared to exercise patience and go as early as possible. It's amazing from every angle so it's worth walking around to see it. There's a cluster of temples around here so it might be worth doing a few of them all at once.
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