Located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Rokuonji Temple is widely known as Kinkakuji Temple because of its famous golden pavilion, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto.
Built in 1397 by the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, Kinkakuji is one of the cultural properties that constitute Kyoto’s World Heritage Site. The present Kinkaku was faithfully rebuilt in 1955 after being destroyed by arson in 1950.
Although you cannot enter the interior of the Golden Pavilion, the first floor (you can see the inside from the outside) of the Kinkaku houses the statue of Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and Hokan Shakyamuni Buddha (Shakyamuni Buddha with a Jeweled Crown) the founder of Buddhism, the second floor houses Iwaya-Kannon and the Statue of Shitenno (Guardian of Buddhism), and the third floor houses the stupa (the remains of Shakyamuni Buddha).
A phoenix is installed on the roof of Kinkakuji. It is said that the phoenix is a symbol of eternal life and power, and was installed to pray for peace in the warless capital of Kyoto.
INFORMATION
NAME
Kinkakuji (金閣寺)
BUSINESS DAY
Every day
ADMISSION
Adults: 500yen, Elementary and Middle school students: 300yen
ADDRESS
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361
ACCESS
3 minute walk from the bus stop Kinkakuji-michi.
STATION INFO
Kinkakuji-michi (bus stop)
Kyoto City Bus
LINK