Kinkakuji
Northern Kyoto boasts one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and perhaps in Japan, the opulent Kinkakuji or ‘Golden pavilion’.
Kinkakuji was built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu the shogun as his retirement villa in 1397. Yoshimitsu was instrumental in reopening trade with China and importing goods such as green tea and pottery, he was a patron of Noh theatre and Zen Buddhism. On his death in 1408, Kinkakuji was donated to the Buddhist monks to be used as a Zen temple.
Kinkakuji is built in three different period architectural styles. Today, the bottom floor houses a statue of Buddha and of Yoshimitsu, the second floor’s exterior is covered with gold leaf, while the top floor is covered with gold inside and out. On the very top sits a golden phoenix.
This is an amazing temple to visit, the kids were fascinated with all the gold, it is pretty impressive! They wanted to touch it but alas, you cannot go close to this temple, it has to be viewed from afar.
On a still day, Kinkakuji is perfectly reflected in the lake below, a calm and peaceful site… even when the kids are running around manic because they have seen too many temples!
In the gardens of Kinkakuji there is a tea house that serves traditional matcha (green tea) and a wagashi sweet that has a picture of Kinkakuji and a little piece of gold leaf for extra decadence. You can sit outside in the garden to enjoy your tea, or inside on the tatami mats. An absolute must stop (although I must confess, I sent the kids on with hubby while my friend and I enjoyed this!)
Who would enjoy this…
Kinkauji is one of the most iconic sites of Kyoto and well worth the visit. Although you can’t go close to the pavilion, the kids still really enjoyed this site, walking through the garden and watching the fish in the pond and chatting about having their room covered in gold! (sorry kids, not gonna happen). If you are looking for somewhere special to have matcha tea, then Kyoto is the place to go and Kinkakuji with it’s edible gold sweet has to be a top pick.
How to get here
In Kyoto there are many types of transport including bus, train, subway and taxi. Most of the sites are easier to access via bus.
The “Raku Bus” are Kyoto City’s tourist buses. The Raku Bus #100, #101, and #102 stop at popular tourist locations in Kyoto City. Bus #101 travels to Kinkakuji from Kyoto station or #102 travels from Eastern Kyoto to Kinkakuji.
There is also the Sky Hop tourist bus that does a circuit from Kyoto station to many of the sites including; Kiomizudura temple, Imperial palace, Kinkakuji and Nijo castle, however, the pass is a 24 or 48 hour pass and it is expensive. Check out their really cute map to help you orientate yourself in Kyoto city.
There are a lot of taxis in Kyoto and we often found this an easy option with little tired feet, although as a larger family we need two taxis.
Need more info?
Kinkakuji – As always Japan guide has awesome information about visiting this site.
Travelling to and around Kyoto
While in Kyoto check out…
Arashiyama including the bamboo forest
Eastern Kyoto including the silver pavilion, philosophers walk, Gion district and traditional streets.
Nishiki market
Fushimi Inari Shrine