Japan has four distinct seasons and you can find the different beautiful scenery for the tourist attraction in each season. As our 4th article of “Four Seasons Series”, We will introduce Kinkaku-ji(金閣寺) attracts many tourists throughtout the year.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji is the leading Zen temple in the northern area of Kyoto. It is one of the popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto and many tourists visit to see this shining “Golden Pavillion” all over the world.
Kinkaku-ji was originally built as a villa by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga at the end of the 14th century. After the death of Yoshimitsu, it was converted into the Zen temple . Although the fomal name is Rokuon-ji, it is called Kinkaku-ji as the second and third floor of the Shariden (Reliquary Hall) was covered by the gold color.
The garden, made for Chisen-Kaiyu style garden, is centered around the Kyokochi pond and arranged various rocks and islands. The Kyokochi pond relfecting the Golden Pavillion is very impressive. Its garden and building is belived to indicate the the land of Perfect Bliss and it is a symbol of flourishing Kitayama Culture.
The entrance ticket is believed to bless “good-luck” and “well-being of family” and many visitors are willing to keep it for good fortune.
Seasonal scenery of Kinkaku-ji
(Spring) Cherry blossoms reflacted in the water of Kyokochi pond.
photo by flickr/Annie Guilloret
(Summer) Shining Golden Pavillion set off against the blue sky.
(Autumn) Golden Pavillion and Kyokochi pond with beautiful colored leaves.
photo by flickr/jocelyn.aubert
(Winter) Golden Pavillion covered by snow.
Spot Information
| Name | Kinkaku-ji Temple(金閣寺) | |
| Address | 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan | |
| Hours | 9:00 – 17:00 | |
| Closed | – | |
| Fees | General: 400 yen / Elementary and Junior High School Students: 300 yen | |
| Website | http://www.shokoku-ji.jp |
Access
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Route1 | |
| Get off at “Kinkakuji-michi stop”(金閣寺道) or “Kinkakuji-mae stop”(金閣寺前) by Kyoto City Bus | ||
| View Map |
