Kinkakuji Temple

★ 4.7 (23K+ reviews) • 30K+ booked
Overview
Things to do
Restaurants
Hotels

Kinkakuji Temple Tickets & Tours

Kyoto Sumo Show with Experience & Photo, 2 Drinks Included
Cultural experiences • Kyoto

Kyoto Sumo Show with Experience & Photo, 2 Drinks Included

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English guided
Morning departure
5.0 / 5
(1.0K) • New Activity
US$ 14.05
Sale 50% off
Kyoto Half-Day Electric Bike Tour with Guide
Klook's choice
Tours • Kyoto

Kyoto Half-Day Electric Bike Tour with Guide

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Private tour
English guided
5.0 / 5
(51) • 700+ booked
US$ 89.25
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour(Optional upgrade to Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch)
Fall deal
Klook's choice
Tours • From Kyoto, Osaka

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour(Optional upgrade to Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch)

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.4 / 5
(3.8K) • 70K+ booked
US$ 44.89
Sale 30% off
Kyoto Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari One-Day Tour
Fall deal
Klook's choice
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

Kyoto Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari One-Day Tour

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(1.6K) • 20K+ booked
US$ 45.89
Sale 40% off
[Kyoto Classic Deep Dive] Kinkaku-ji & Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Ninenzaka & Gion/Hanamikoji Street & Yasaka Shrine & Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine In-Depth Slow Travel Day Tour (Departure from Osaka/Kyoto)
Fall deal
One-day tour of Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Uji
Fall deal
Klook's choice
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

One-day tour of Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Uji

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(2.4K) • 20K+ booked
US$ 44.85
Sale 40% off
Kyoto 1 Day Bus Tour : Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove
Klook's choice
Tours • Kyoto

Kyoto 1 Day Bus Tour : Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.7 / 5
(509) • 7K+ booked
From
US$ 120.00
Kyoto Coast Fairytale Journey: Sea Train & Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya One-Day Tour
Fall deal
Tours • From Osaka

Kyoto Coast Fairytale Journey: Sea Train & Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya One-Day Tour

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.7 / 5
(300) • 2K+ booked
US$ 51.19
Sale 30% off
Osaka Kyoto & Nara Full-Day Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary
Fall deal
Tours • From Osaka

Osaka Kyoto & Nara Full-Day Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(8)
US$ 284.25
Sale 20% off
Kyoto Early Morning Tour – Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & Golden Temple
Klook's choice
Tours • Kyoto

Kyoto Early Morning Tour – Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & Golden Temple

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English guided
Free cancellation
5.0 / 5
(43) • 600+ booked
US$ 90.79
Kyoto Tango Coast Secret Spot [Includes Seagull Bait] Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)
Fall deal
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

Kyoto Tango Coast Secret Spot [Includes Seagull Bait] Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(4.0K) • 50K+ booked
US$ 36.55
Sale 50% off

Where to stay in Kinkakuji Temple

ALA HOTEL KYOTO
Hotels • Kyoto

ALA HOTEL KYOTO

Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(545) • 50+ booked
From
US$ 70.59
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(2.5K) • 50+ booked
From
US$ 150.69
Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(880) • 100+ booked
From
US$ 36.47
Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(4.3K) • 300+ booked
From
US$ 94.34
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Hotels • Kyoto

Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.0K) • 100+ booked
From
US$ 73.97
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.8K)
From
US$ 134.68
MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Station
Hotels • Kyoto

MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Station

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(750)
From
US$ 73.55
Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(815) • 50+ booked
From
US$ 171.39
Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho
Hotels • Kyoto

Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(370) • 100+ booked
From
US$ 141.26
US$ 147.41
RIHGA Gran Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

RIHGA Gran Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.1K) • 100+ booked
From
US$ 48.16
Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae Natural Hot Spring
Hotels • Kyoto

Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae Natural Hot Spring

Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(1.1K)
From
US$ 114.63
Royal Twin Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Hotels • Kyoto

Royal Twin Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(730)
From
US$ 75.51

Transport to & from Kinkakuji Temple

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket
Rail passes • Kyoto (From Sagae)

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(4.8K) • 200K+ booked
From
US$ 5.55
Kyoto to Nara Express Train by Kintetsu
Rail passes • Kyoto

Kyoto to Nara Express Train by Kintetsu

Book now for today
Instant confirmation
4.4 / 5
(43) • 5K+ booked
US$ 8.09
Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket
Rail passes • Kyoto

Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(143) • 20K+ booked
US$ 7.70
JR Sanyo-San'in Area Pass
Rail passes • Kyoto (From Kyoto)

JR Sanyo-San'in Area Pass

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Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(2.1K) • 40K+ booked
US$ 144.99
Randen Pass
Rail passes • Kyoto

Randen Pass

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Instant confirmation
4.4 / 5
(923) • 10K+ booked
US$ 4.45
Eizan Electric Railway 1-Day Pass “Ee Kippu” & Kurama Onsen Set Ticket
Train tickets • Kyoto

Eizan Electric Railway 1-Day Pass “Ee Kippu” & Kurama Onsen Set Ticket

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Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(6) • 100+ booked
From
US$ 16.10
Hieizan Free Pass (Unlimited 1-Day Rides on 6 Types of Transport)
Rail passes • Kyoto

Hieizan Free Pass (Unlimited 1-Day Rides on 6 Types of Transport)

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
New Activity
US$ 22.10
Kyoto Car Rental with Driver to Nara/Osaka/Kobe/Uji/Lake Biwa/Wakayama - English/Chinese Speaking Driver
Car charters • Kyoto

Kyoto Car Rental with Driver to Nara/Osaka/Kobe/Uji/Lake Biwa/Wakayama - English/Chinese Speaking Driver

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(5) • New Activity
US$ 240.75
Sale 10% off
Kyoto Private City Transfers to Kyoto Station/Kyoto City(One way)
Car charters • Kyoto

Kyoto Private City Transfers to Kyoto Station/Kyoto City(One way)

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Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(6) • 100+ booked
US$ 66.89
Retail: US$ 68.25
Kyoto Departure Private Car Charter | Uji, Nara & Surrounding Areas
Car charters • Kyoto

Kyoto Departure Private Car Charter | Uji, Nara & Surrounding Areas

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Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
4.7 / 5
(98) • 1K+ booked
US$ 254.15
Sale 5% off
Shinagawa to Kyoto - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Kyoto (From Tokyo)

Shinagawa to Kyoto - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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Instant confirmation
US$ 85.29
Tokyo to Kyoto - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Kyoto (From Tokyo)

Tokyo to Kyoto - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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Instant confirmation
US$ 85.29

Restaurants near Kinkakuji Temple

Doikatsuman - Eel Dishes in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Doikatsuman - Eel Dishes in Kyoto

Free cancellation
US$ 66.35
Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(263) • 9K+ booked
US$ 25.19
SHIGETSU (天龍寺 篩月) in Kyoto Arashiyama - Michelin recommend Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine
Food & dining • Kyoto

SHIGETSU (天龍寺 篩月) in Kyoto Arashiyama - Michelin recommend Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine

Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(51) • 2K+ booked
US$ 34.95
Nikuyanodaidokoro - Wagyu Beef Roasted Meati in Kyoto,Sanjo Kawaramachi
Food & dining • Kyoto

Nikuyanodaidokoro - Wagyu Beef Roasted Meati in Kyoto,Sanjo Kawaramachi

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
3.9 / 5
(18) • 600+ booked
US$ 22.10
Shoraian Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine – Arashiyama, Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Shoraian Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine – Arashiyama, Kyoto

Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(12) • 1K+ booked
US$ 53.50
Higashiyama Traditional Japanese tofu cuisine Souhonke Yudofu Okutan Kiyomizu Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Higashiyama Traditional Japanese tofu cuisine Souhonke Yudofu Okutan Kiyomizu Kyoto

Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(8) • 300+ booked
US$ 36.79
One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto

Free cancellation
5.0 / 5
(11) • 500+ booked
US$ 48.00
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
Food & dining • Kyoto

Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion

Set menu
24-hour confirmation
4.5 / 5
(84) • 3K+ booked
US$ 75.00
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist
Food & dining • Kyoto

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Free cancellation
4.5 / 5
(438) • 6K+ booked
US$ 36.25
Gion Maruyama (祇园丸山) and Kenninji Gion Maruyama - Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Kyoto Gion
Food & dining • Kyoto

Gion Maruyama (祇园丸山) and Kenninji Gion Maruyama - Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Kyoto Gion

Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(9) • 700+ booked
US$ 66.35
Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki
Food & dining • Kyoto

Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki

Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(21) • 900+ booked
US$ 35.39
Kyo Kaiseki KINMATA (近又) in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Kyo Kaiseki KINMATA (近又) in Kyoto

Set menu
24-hour confirmation
4.6 / 5
(10) • 400+ booked
US$ 60.95

More to explore

The ultimate entertainment experience lighting up Kyoto's night. DRUM TAO Live Wadaiko Drum Show
Events & shows • Kyoto

The ultimate entertainment experience lighting up Kyoto's night. DRUM TAO Live Wadaiko Drum Show

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(33) • 600+ booked
US$ 69.49
Kyoto Gion: Samurai & Kimono Theatrical Show
From
US$ 18.99
Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service | Osaka/Kyoto <-> Hiroshima/Hakata
Travel services • Kyoto

Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service | Osaka/Kyoto <-> Hiroshima/Hakata

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(11) • 100+ booked
US$ 69.49
JPY6,000 off
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto
Shopping • Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Book now for today
Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(111) • 6K+ booked
Free Voucher
WSP pearl jewelry coupons
Shopping • Kyoto

WSP pearl jewelry coupons

Book now for today
Instant confirmation
100+ booked
Free Voucher

Kinkakuji Temple Reviews

Usuario de Klook
2026-09-09 04:13:10
Fantastic 5.0
Very fun and informative experience, the staff is friendly and helpful. The host is charismatic and the experience of watching a live sumo show is priceless!! Recommended!! By the way they include drinks so you can enjoy the show and not worry about those yourself
Klook 用戶
2026-09-12 17:15:14
Fantastic 5.0
Our tour guide, who could switch between Chinese, Japanese, and English, and also spoke Korean, made sure every group member was taken care of. It was a huge benefit not having to research the history and stories of each attraction ourselves. They offered pre-ordered lunch, which allowed us more time to explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its surroundings, and the food was quite good. The itinerary was well-paced for the limited time (however, this tour is not suitable for travelers who prefer to savor sights slowly or spend a lot of time taking photos, as the time allotted for Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine doesn't allow for walking the entire Senbon Torii path!). The tour bus was clean and tidy, and the ride was smooth and steady. I'm prone to motion sickness and usually sleep on buses, and I didn't wake up due to poor driving.
Klook User
2026-08-15 21:44:57
Fantastic 5.0
This tour was great, very punctual, and they complied 100% with what they offered. My guide "Effy" was super special; she explained everything super clearly, even with slides. Super recommended. Este tour fue genial, muy puntuales y cumplieron al 100% con lo que ofrecen, mi guía "Effy"super especial, explico todo super claro hasta con diapositivas.... super recomendado.
Elaine ******
2026-09-27 16:01:17
Fantastic 5.0
this is a really good deal. got it for buy 1 take 1 promo yet the experience is as if i paid for two people. thank you Mike, our tour guide. i really appreciate the work that you’ve done and i am very impressed with how many language you could speak - it must be hard to say statements in three different languages but you pulled it off!
SSU ********
2026-09-14 22:37:37
Fantastic 5.0
The tour experience is nice. Our tour guide CC introduced the background of attractions and Japanese history on the touring bus in a fun and comprehensive way, so we got to have much free time to explore attractions by ourselves. In addition, she also recommended some great and affordable restaurants to avoid tourist traps. Although going three attractions in a day is a bit tight to view deeply in the attractions, it’s worth for beginner travelers to enjoy the sights and vibes. Moreover, having a designated touring bus saved us lots of energy, husstle and time moving among attractions.
클룩 고객
2026-09-18 09:15:25
Fantastic 5.0
Last time, I visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, so this time I went to places I hadn't seen before. It was just before a long holiday, so there weren't many people, and it was wonderfully peaceful and quiet! When you actually see it, it's not so much 'Wow, that's amazing!' but rather beautiful scenery, the path you walk while admiring that scenery, various photos taken at photo spots, and an unexpected seagull zoo feeding (making eye contact with seagulls and hawks). I didn't have high expectations, but it was fun! The only downside is that the travel time is a bit long if you depart from Osaka! However, our guide, MICA, explained many things about Japan so well and took such beautiful photos that I even changed my KakaoTalk profile picture for the first time in a while! 😄
Usuario de Klook
2026-09-05 00:12:54
Fantastic 5.0
It was our 12th day in Japan, and all the previous days had been exhausting. I had wanted to do this tour on my own, but the kids weren't keeping up as well anymore. I decided to book this tour a day in advance, and it was the best decision. We visited several places without getting too tired or worn out, and the kids happily continued. We wouldn't have been able to see so much on our own. Our guide and driver were very kind!
Klook User
2026-09-27 13:14:58
Fantastic 5.0
A fantastic experience with Lorenzo. The bikes were a big hit with our boys & we certainly enjoyed an easy ride. We definitely couldn’t have covered such an extensive itinerary on foot or via public transport. Lunch was delicious & the robot waiter was very cool! Thank you Lorenzo for a relaxing , interesting & informative day.
Klook User
2026-09-01 22:52:54
Fantastic 5.0
I had a great day in Kyoto! The itinerary was great and we managed to do and see so many things in one day. All of the activities were amazing and things i wanted to see and it was all really well organised and easy. I went as a solo traveller and if you’re looking for an easy day trip to Kyoto with no stress about transport and creating an itinerary then i highly recommend this tour!!! Our tour guide was great and super helpful and informative. Thank you :))

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FAQs about Kinkakuji Temple

Why is the Golden Pavilion famous?

Is Kinkakuji Temple made of real gold?

What is the myth behind the Golden Pavilion Temple?

How to get to Kinkakuji Temple?

How long to spend at Golden Pavilion Temple?

When’s the best time to visit Kinkakuji Temple?

What to know about Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion Temple, is a stunning zen temple in Kyoto, Japan. The temple is famous for its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf, giving it a shining, eye-catching appearance. It's even more striking when viewed from the mirror pond. When you visit, make sure to walk around the Japanese strolling garden. The garden has small islands and different paths that offer different views of the golden pavilion. If you take a tour, you'll get to learn and appreciate the different architectural styles of each floor. The first floor is designed in the shinden style, the second floor in the bukke style, and the third floor in the Chinese zen hall style. Don’t forget to look up and admire the beautiful golden phoenix on top of the pavilion. Your experience doesn't stop at sightseeing. You can also visit the Fudo Hall to learn about and pay respects to Fudo Myoo, a guardian deity. The temple's gardens and rich history make it a top attraction in Kyoto. Don’t miss the chance to see this iconic landmark in person!
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

What to know before visiting Golden Pavilion Temple

Things to do in Kinkakuji Temple

Admire the Golden Pavilion

The main attraction of Kinkakuji Temple is the Golden Pavilion. While you're there, you can appreciate the different styles of each floor. Don't forget to take photos of the pavilion and its shiny reflection in the mirror pond.

Stroll Through the Temple's Gardens

Enjoy a calming walk through the temple's surrounding gardens. These gardens have winding paths, quiet ponds, and beautiful flowers that change with the seasons. The peaceful surroundings are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. Don't forget to visit Anmintaku Pond, known as the "lake of peace."

Visit the Fudo Hall

Discover Fudo Hall, a smaller shrine in the temple grounds dedicated to Fudo Myoo, a guardian deity. This hall is a quieter place where you can say prayers and light incense. It's a great spot to learn about Zen temple traditions and feel the spiritual side of Kinkakuji Temple.

Enjoy Matcha Tea

After exploring the Golden Pavilion Temple, visit one of the tea houses for a traditional cup of matcha tea. The tea houses often have views of the gardens, making your visit even more special.

Must-see Attractions near Kinkakuji Temple

Ryoanji Temple

Just a short walk from Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple is famous for its Zen rock garden. The garden has carefully placed rocks and pebbles, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Zen gardens and meditation.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to the god of education and learning. Many students visit this lively shrine, which is surrounded by pretty plum tree gardens. It's a great place to experience both culture and natural beauty.

Nijo Castle

A little farther away but still nearby, Nijo Castle shows what life was like for Japan's shoguns. The castle has beautiful gardens and detailed interiors with "nightingale floors" that chirp when you walk on them. It's a fun place to explore after visiting Kinkakuji Temple.