Kinkaku-ji
About
📿 Goshuin Info
Hours
9:00–17:00
Fee
¥500
Direct-write
Available
Pre-written
Available
History
Formally known as Rokuon-ji, this Zen temple was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and is a renowned temple of golden brilliance. The gold leaf of the Shariden Hall overwhelms all who behold it, appearing as if paradise itself has been manifested on earth. As a masterwork of architecture that crystallizes Yoshimitsu's authority and aesthetic sensibilities, it attracts visitors from around the world and stands as an iconic symbol of Kyoto. The image of the Golden Pavilion reflected in Mirror Lake reveals different beauty with each season, and the snow-covered winter landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a special sacred place that cultivates inner peace and aesthetic sensibility.
Benefits
Goshuin Gallery
Photos
Tips
境内の奥にある「安民沢（あんみんたく）」には白蛇の塚が祀られており、賽銭を投げてお椀に入ると願いが叶うとされています。また、ここから振り返ると「見返りの金閣」と呼ばれる背面からの金閣が見られます。
混雑のピークは10〜15時で、平日・週末問わず午前中から混雑します。開門直後（9時台）か16時以降に訪れると比較的落ち着いて見られます。
御朱印は「舎利殿」の墨書きが通常いただける御朱印で、紅葉期や正月に限定御朱印が登場することがあります。御朱印帳も複数種類販売されており、金色デザインのものが人気です。
Visit Notes
More impressive than I thought it would be. The walk around is pretty short, and there isn’t much to do outside of looking at the temple. Still worth it for the view when the sun hits the gold.
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