Kinkaku Ji Travel Guide
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors
are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the
retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a
Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the
similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga
Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.
Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building
left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times
throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much
of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk.
The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. Kinkakuji was built to echo the extravagant
Kitayama culture that developed in the wealthy aristocratic circles of Kyoto during
Yoshimitsu's times. Each floor represents a different style of architecture.
The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian
Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet
complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the Shaka Buddha
(historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first floor. Although it is not possible
to enter the pavilion, the statues can be viewed from across the pond if you look closely, as
the front windows of the first floor are usually kept open.
The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior
completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by
statues of the Four Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public.
Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded
inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix.
How To Reach Kinkaku Ji
Kinkakuji can be accessed from Kyoto Station by direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205
in about 40 minutes and for 230 yen. Alternatively, it can be faster and more reliable to
take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) and take a taxi (10
minutes, about 1300 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 230 yen, bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205)
from there to Kinkakuji.
