Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, lit. "Temple o the Gowden Pavilion"), offeecially named Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺, lit. "Deer Gairden Temple"), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan.
This is a beautiful temple, but it has become a tourist trap. Lots of things are being sold around the temple and the amount of tourists disrupts the peace and original intent of the site.
It's so grand and beautiful. In fact too beautiful for a temple. It doesn't take long to complete the circle and heading back out. Crowded all the time but do you have a choice?
The famed Golden Temple collects quite the crowds so go early, or if you're a photographer, brave the masses right before closing for better light. Entry closes around 4:30pm. Beautiful!
Go early (like before 0800) and enjoy the lovely grounds before hoards of tourists descend later in the morning. Or, just before it closes; less crowd & nice light of the pavilion in the sunset!
Beautiful temple and a must-see when visiting Kyoto. Be sure to get your lake photos before continuing up the trail- the path dumps you out the exit and you can’t get back in.
Golden pavilion is perfect ???????? Take Express bus from Kyoto Station and make a 30-40 min stop in nijoji Castle, and continue to Kinkakuji. Be avare Temple will be closed at 5pm
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