A three-storey pavilion covered in gold leaf, mirrored in a still pond — Kinkaku-ji is probably the single most famous view in Kyoto. Its formal name is Rokuon-ji and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grounds are one-way and take about 40 minutes. This guide covers the ticket, hours, how to get there from Kyoto Station, when the light is best, and how to combine it with Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji for a full day in north-west Kyoto.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | ¥500 adults, ¥300 elementary/junior-high students |
| Hours | 9:00–17:00 |
| Closed | Never |
| Time needed | 40–60 minutes |
| Address | 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto |
| Official site | shokoku-ji.jp |
Prices and hours as of October 2026 — confirm on the official visitor page.
How to get to Kinkaku-ji from Kyoto Station
Kinkaku-ji is in the north-west of the city with no train station nearby.
- City Bus 205 from Kyoto Station stop B3 to Kinkakuji-michi, about 40 minutes, ¥230. Frequent, but it sits in traffic.
- Subway + bus: Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Kitaoji (about 15 min), then bus 204 or 205 from Kitaoji Bus Terminal to Kinkakuji-michi (about 10 min). Around 30 minutes in total and far less affected by traffic — use this in the morning and evening rush.
- Taxi from Kyoto Station: about 25 minutes, ¥2,500–3,000. Split between 3–4 people it is close to the bus fare.
The route through the grounds (one-way)
- Main gate and ticket booth — your ticket is a paper talisman.
- Kyoko-chi Pond and the pavilion — the classic photo is from right after the entrance. This is also the most crowded spot.
- Path along the north side of the pond — side and rear views. You can see that only the second and third floors are gilded; the first is plain wood.
- Rikushu-no-matsu pine and the Ryumon waterfall — small stops.
- Sekkatei tea house — on the slope, looking down over the pavilion.
- Fudo Hall and exit — matcha tea service (extra charge) and the shop.
Best light for photos
- Morning (9:00–11:00): the sun is in the east and lights the front of the pavilion, which reflects cleanly in the pond. Right at opening is best.
- Afternoon: the pavilion is backlit and the gold looks dull.
- Snow days in winter: Kinkaku-ji under snow is a view even Kyoto locals go out for — but expect a queue before opening.
- Autumn leaves: late November, when the trees around the pond turn.
One-day plan: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji
Three World Heritage temples sit along the Kinukake-no-michi road, doable on foot and by bus in one day.
- 9:00 Kinkaku-ji (at opening)
- 10:30 Walk 20 minutes or take bus 59 to Ryoan-ji (the rock garden, ¥600)
- 12:00 Lunch between Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji (yudofu tofu or udon restaurants)
- 13:30 Ninna-ji (palace buildings and five-storey pagoda; palace ¥800)
- 15:30 Randen tram from Omuro-Ninnaji Station to Arashiyama, about 20 minutes, for an evening in Arashiyama
[Affiliate slot: Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama one-day tour — Klook / KKday]
Tips
- The grounds are one-way and you cannot enter the pavilion. It is a temple you look at from the garden.
- At busy times you will be moved along at the pond viewpoint. Take your photo quickly.
- Kitano Tenmangu shrine is nearby — worth adding on the 25th of the month (flea market) or in plum and autumn-leaf season.
- No lockers; leave big bags at Kyoto Station.
Nearby
- Arashiyama — 30–40 minutes by bus or Randen tram
- Nijo Castle — about 25 minutes by bus
- Ginkaku-ji — on the opposite side of the city; bus 204, about 40 minutes
See also the full list of things to do in Kyoto and the 3-day Kyoto itinerary.
Official information: Kinkaku-ji (Shokoku-ji) · Kyoto City Official Travel Guide · Google Maps
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