Kinkakuji Temple

★ 4.7 (23K+ reviews) • 31K+ 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
(661) • New Activity
€ 30.85
Save € 30.84
[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)
Spring deal
Kyoto Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari One-Day Tour
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
(1.5K) • 20K+ booked
€ 40.35
Save € 26.90
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour(Optional upgrade to Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch)
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
€ 36.05
Save € 15.40
Kyoto Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Uji One-Day Tour
Spring deal
Klook's choice
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

Kyoto Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Uji One-Day Tour

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.9 / 5
(2.3K) • 20K+ booked
€ 39.80
Save € 26.55
Kyoto Tango Coast Secret Spot [Includes Seagull Bait] Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)
Spring deal
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

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

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(4.0K) • 50K+ booked
€ 32.45
Save € 32.44
【Osaka & Kyoto Scenic Spots One-Day Tour】Katsuoji Temple Prayer & Kinkaku-ji Temple Pilgrimage & Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge & Kimono Forest & Bamboo Grove Path & Nonomiya Shrine (Departing from Osaka or Kyoto)
Spring deal
Klook's choice
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
(49) • 700+ booked
€ 91.09
Kyoto Coast Fairytale Journey: Sea Train & Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya One-Day Tour
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
(294) • 2K+ booked
€ 45.45
Save € 19.44
Kyoto Temple Pilgrimage: Bamboo Grove & Kinkaku-ji
Spring deal
Klook's choice
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

Kyoto Temple Pilgrimage: Bamboo Grove & Kinkaku-ji

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(137) • 800+ booked
€ 45.79
Save € 30.50
Kyoto Dream Illumination Autumn Foliage Day Tour - Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama (Includes Night Maple Train - Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)
Tours • From Osaka, Kyoto

Kyoto Dream Illumination Autumn Foliage Day Tour - Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama (Includes Night Maple Train - Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(13) • 100+ booked
€ 76.09
Save € 32.60

Where to stay in Kinkakuji Temple

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(2.2K) • 100+ booked
From
€ 51.18
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijo

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(168) • 100+ booked
From
€ 76.06
Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(4.3K) • 300+ booked
From
€ 95.16
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Hotels • Kyoto

Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station

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4.7 / 5
(1.0K) • 100+ booked
From
€ 69.57
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.1K) • 300+ booked
From
€ 51.61
Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi

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4.8 / 5
(876) • 50+ booked
From
€ 39.25
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.1K) • 200+ booked
From
€ 51.35
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

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4.7 / 5
(2.0K) • 100+ booked
From
€ 70.15
RIHGA Gran Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

RIHGA Gran Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.1K) • 100+ booked
From
€ 48.23
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
Hotels • Kyoto

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma

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4.8 / 5
(1.1K) • 50+ booked
From
€ 53.41
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Monterey Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(1.1K) • 100+ booked
From
€ 58.25
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
Hotels • Kyoto

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(1.1K) • 50+ booked
From
€ 53.88

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
€ 5.45
Kyoto to Nara Express Train by Kintetsu
Rail passes • Kyoto

Kyoto to Nara Express Train by Kintetsu

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Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(39) • 5K+ booked
€ 7.89
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
(138) • 20K+ booked
€ 7.55
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
€ 141.79
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
(5) • 100+ booked
From
€ 15.75
Randen Pass
Rail passes • Kyoto

Randen Pass

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Instant confirmation
4.4 / 5
(921) • 10K+ booked
€ 4.35
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
€ 21.59
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
€ 237.45
Retail: € 262.39
Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner
Buses • Kyoto (From Kyoto)

Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner

4.3 / 5
(131) • 3K+ booked
From
€ 60.45
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
4.2 / 5
(5) • 100+ booked
€ 59.39
Retail: € 60.55
Uji Tea Heritage Area Pass (Kyoto Keihan Bus One-Day Pass - All Routes)
Rail passes • Kyoto

Uji Tea Heritage Area Pass (Kyoto Keihan Bus One-Day Pass - All Routes)

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 10.19
Tokyo - Kyoto Highway Bus Ticket
Buses • Kyoto

Tokyo - Kyoto Highway Bus Ticket

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Instant confirmation
New Activity
From
€ 20.23
€ 21.30
Save € 1.07

Restaurants near Kinkakuji Temple

Doikatsuman - Eel Dishes in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Doikatsuman - Eel Dishes in Kyoto

Free cancellation
€ 64.75
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
(261) • 9K+ booked
€ 24.59
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
€ 34.10
Shoraian Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine – Arashiyama, Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Shoraian Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine – Arashiyama, Kyoto

Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(12) • 1K+ booked
€ 52.25
One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto

Free cancellation
5.0 / 5
(11) • 500+ booked
€ 46.89
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
€ 73.25
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) • 200+ booked
€ 35.89
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
From
€ 21.59
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
€ 64.75
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist
Food & dining • Kyoto

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Free cancellation
4.5 / 5
(438) • 6K+ booked
€ 35.39
Kyo Kaiseki KINMATA (近又) in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Kyo Kaiseki KINMATA (近又) in Kyoto

Set menu
24-hour confirmation
5.0 / 5
(9) • 400+ booked
€ 59.49
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
€ 34.55

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 today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(28) • 500+ booked
€ 61.69
Kyoto Gion: Samurai & Kimono Theatrical Show
From
€ 16.85
WSP pearl jewelry coupons
Shopping • Kyoto

WSP pearl jewelry coupons

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Instant confirmation
50+ booked
Free Voucher
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto
Shopping • Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

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Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(111) • 6K+ booked
Free Voucher
Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service | Osaka/Kyoto <-> Hiroshima/Hakata
Travel services • Kyoto

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

Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(9) • 100+ booked
€ 28.05
€ 61.69
Save € 33.64

Kinkakuji Temple Reviews

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 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.
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 :))
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.
Vinaya *
2026-04-07 10:14:07
Fantastic 5.0
Richard the tour guide was helpful and responsive. The tour included beautiful views in Amanohashidate. Chairlift and Sky Cycle were a surreal experience at Amanohashidate Viewland. Boat ride was a fun experience feeding the Seagulls and Kites at Ine Bay.
클룩 고객
2026-09-06 00:51:41
Fantastic 5.0
Here's an honest and straightforward review of three major attractions in Shiga Prefecture: Shirahige Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and La Collina Omihachiman. 1. Shirahige Shrine Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I left feeling a bit disappointed. The torii gate in the water is located across the road, making it dangerous to cross and difficult to appreciate properly from a distance. The shrine itself doesn't offer much to see, so it's best suited as a quick stop. 2. Biwako Terrace This was definitely the highlight of my trip. The panoramic view of Lake Biwa from the terrace cafe was truly spectacular, and I was most satisfied with being able to relax amidst the expansive scenery. 3. La Collina Omihachiman It was so crowded that it was hard to leisurely soak in the unique atmosphere. The signature dessert, the confectionery, also tends to be a hit or miss in terms of taste. However, the grass-roofed buildings and the garden views were beautiful, making it an excellent spot for taking photos.
Analiza *********
2026-08-22 16:21:12
Fantastic 5.0
The tour was convenient because transportation and the itinerary were already organized for us. We were able to see many places without worrying about navigating trains and buses ourselves. The only downside was that the schedule felt a little rushed, so I would have loved more time at each location.
Klook User
2026-08-18 07:45:29
Fantastic 5.0
We had such a great day on this tour with Apple. Apple was great at giving information about each place before we arrived. We were provided with must see and visit recommendations to help us whilst exploring Arashiama on our own. All of the stops are beautiful. The tour itself was very efficient with just enough time in each place to see all the highlights. Would definitely recommend!

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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.