Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

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Three-storey Zen Buddhist temple. Each floor was done in different architectural style - the ground floor is Heian imperial architecture, the second floor typifies warrior aristocracy and the top floor is Chinese-inspired.

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This pavillion is absolutely a sight to behold. It is stunning and well worth the visit. I visited in April, the air was bright and crisp, but it made for a perfect viewing day.

After viewing Kinkakuji from across the pond, you pass by the head priest's former living quarters (hojo) which are known for their painted sliding doors (fusuma), but are not open to the public. The path once again passes by Kinkakuji from behind then leads through the temple's gardens which have retained their original design from Yoshimitsu's days. The gardens hold a few other spots of interest including Anmintaku Pond that is said to never dry up, and statues that people throw coins at for luck.

Continuing through the garden takes you to the Sekkatei Teahouse, before you exit the paid temple area. Outside the exit are souvenir shops, a small tea garden where you can have matcha tea and sweets (500 yen) and Fudo Hall, a small temple hall which houses a statue of Fudo Myoo, one of the Five Wisdom Kings and protector of Buddhism. The statue is said to be carved by Kobo Daishi, one of the most important figures in Japanese religious history.

Open 9am to 5pm daily.
Admission: Y400 general admission, Y300 Primary and Middle School Students. No discount for groups.

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This is one of the most famous sites in Japan, the Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion. It is situated in a very pictureque setting, but the main downside is that you can't get all that close to it.

It's a magnificent photo-op, but not much more.

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Kinkakuji is one of the most iconic temples in Japan, and I had spent quite a while in the area before deciding to visit. I was worried that Kinkakuji would not live up to all the hype about it, so when I finally committed to going, I admit I was sceptical...

When I finally entered and saw Kinkakuji, I was sucked in just like everyone else! It is absolutely spectacular, and the extravagance and flamboyance of it makes it stand out all the more in a country where simplicity and attune with nature are preferred!

The temple was built as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Because a crazed monk set it aflame, the current structure only dates back to 1955. On clear days, the entire vista, including the temple is mirrored in the pond; it's gorgeous!

The rest of the precints feature a teahouse, souvenir shop, statues where people toss coins, and the former residence of the temple's priest.

Entrance is 600 yen.

There are some excellent audio guides to many of the principal Kyoto temples at www.iconicguides.com, including Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizudera, Nijo Castle and Tenryu-ji.

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The entry and exit system at the Golden Pavilion is rather unique. Entrance through ticket booth and Exit through another path which is not manned nor controlled. Virtually, everyone can get entrance to the Golden Pavilion (without paying) if they mistakenly goes through the Exit path.

I almost did but then realised that it better to follow the crowd's heading.

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I had been told by a Japanese friend that I HAD to visit this temple as it was probably the most beautiful in Kyoto, so, when I finally woke up a morning with no rain, I ran to the station and took the first bus to come here.
I arrived here at 9 am just a few minuts after it opened and found something like 300 students(enlarge the second picture) with blu uniform ready to take a picture to everything that was in front, back, up or down of them.
The pavillon itself is beautiful but the all place is really too crowded or at least it was when I was there.
Anyway the golden pavillon, originally was a villa, then, it became a temple for the will of Yoshimitsu, this is a similari story as the zen Nanzenji temple which is also not far from here.
Opening time 9 to 17.
Ticket price 400 yen.

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Kinkakuji is a Zen temple known as Rokuonji. In 1397 construction started on Golden Pavillion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death in 1408, it was converted into a Zen temple. The Golden Pavillion houses sacred relics of Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building was built in 1955 while the previous one was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950. The admission fee is 400 JPY. It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.