Kinkaku-ji
Good to know
- Best time to go
- November–December for autumn foliage; March for light snow
- Budget
- $
- Accessibility
- limited
- Coordinates
- Open in maps
A Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are entirely clad in gold leaf, reflected in the surrounding Kyoko-chi mirror pond. Originally a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted to a temple after his death in 1408. The garden setting, with sculpted pine trees and stone lanterns, changes character across all four seasons.
Wanderers' notes
Where next?
