This gold temple is called “Kinkakuji”. Kin means gold, Ji means a temple. It was built as a temple for the Rinzai-shuu in Kyoto City, and the official name is the Rokuon Temple because the building is covered in gold leaf. The villa, which was owned by Ashikaga became a temple upon his death, according to his final instructions. In 1950, it was destroyed by arson and then rebuilt.
The Novel「Kinkakuji」
It is also the set of the famous book ‘Kinkakuji, written by Yukio Mishima. The story is based around the arson case and is regarded as one of masterpieces representing modern Japanese literature. This story is of a monk who is possessed by the beauty of Kinkakuji and commits the crime.
Kinkakuji of Winter
In the winter there is an amazing contrast between the white and gold allows us to see the elaborate nature of this temple. It is extremely rare to see this scene, even for Japanese citizens. You may see this scene between the beginning of January to the middle of February.
Information
| Hours | 9:00am～5:00pm |
| Address | 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361 |
| Access | 2 min by walk ← bus stop Kinkakujido ← get on the bus #205 or 201 at JR Kyoto station |
| Admission | Adults 400 yen Students 300 yen |
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