📍 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan
In Kyoto, the vibe here is different than Tokyo. From a bustling city to a relatively quiet one, Kyoto has a laid back/olden days vibe. To me, Kyoto seemed like a village that has a lot of historic Japanese things to see, like shrines and temples.
The Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion is one of them. The Golden Pavilion oversees a large pond and it is very beautiful upon first sight. Such a stunner in person. The Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities).
The admission fee is ¥400. However, children from 7-15 years old or handicapped individuals will have to pay only ¥300, and children younger than 7 years old gain free admission. The ticket is only valid on the same day. The ticket replicates a talisman and is quite fragile since it is paper. But it is probably the most unique ticket I’ve ever gotten!
The Kinkaku-ji isn’t far off from the entrance. Its golden colour shines so brightly even from quite a distance away.
Kinkaku is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered in. The gold was an important addition to the pavilion because of its underlying meaning – to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings towards death.
It’s a one way out of the pavilion and because it was quite crowded, it was hectic but I made it out alive. I would strongly recommend visiting really early in the day or during off-peak season!
On the way out, there are also a few interesting items like statues and there was a monument where people were trying to throw money into a certain spot – if you get it in, your wish would come true!
Viewing the temple was definitely a jaw-dropper that I will never forget it. The golden colour sparkled with the sun and together with the lake, it looks just like a page out of a story book.
I highly recommend you to go to Kinkaku-ji even though it is in the middle of nowhere and requires some effort via bus, but viewing the Kinkaku-ji and its elegance in person is like no other. It’s one of a kind, so do take a moment and soak it in while you’re there 🙂
Till next time, ♥
For more Kinkaku-ji – Japan Official Guide
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