Temples & ShrinesKyoto

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Japanese name: 金閣寺

The Golden Pavilion is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the mirror pond beneath. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in 1397, it is now one of Japan's most iconic sights.

Opening hours: 9:00–17:00
Getting there: 3 min walk from the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
Map: Open in Google Maps ↗
Official site: www.shokoku-ji.jp/kinkakuji ↗

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Tickets, stays & getting around

Tours, tickets & JR passesSkip-the-line tickets and day tours across Japan, usually cheaper than the gate price.Klook ↗Guided experiencesSmall-group and private experiences with free cancellation up to 24h before.GetYourGuide ↗Hotels & ryokanThe widest inventory in Japan, including small family-run ryokan.Booking.com ↗Budget stays in AsiaOften the cheapest for business hotels and capsule stays in Japan.Agoda ↗Japan eSIM — data in 2 minutesInstall before you land. No airport queue, no physical SIM swap.Airalo ↗Unlimited shinkansen travelWorth it if you do Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka or more in one trip.Japan Rail Pass ↗Spend yen without bank feesReal exchange rate card — Japan is still a cash-heavy country.Wise ↗Rakuten TravelDomestic-focused inventory, strong for onsen ryokan.楽天トラベル ↗

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