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Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺). The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as
Rokuonji (鹿苑寺) is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto, and the crowds
that constantly surround it reflect this. The pavilion was originally built as a
retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 12th century, and
converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950,
by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. The pavilion was rebuilt in
the Fifties to look even more garish than before - extending the gold leaf covering
it to the lower floor. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding
the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops.
In the 1220's it was the comfortable villa of Kintsune Saionji.
Yoshimitsu, the 3rd Shogun of Ashikaga, abdicated the throne in 1394. After
three years, he began to build Kitayamaden and he made a special effort to make
a breath taking site. He indulged in his peaceful life in this serene setting. After
Yoshimitsu's death, Kitayamaden was made into a Zen temple in accordance with
his will. All the building of those days came to ruin except Kinkaku. The garden,
however, remains as it was former days and can be enjoyed as it was hundreds of
years ago. Rokuonji Temple was inscribed as World Cultural Heritage in 1994.
Admission 500 Yen ($5.00)
Rokuonji (鹿苑寺) is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto, and the crowds
that constantly surround it reflect this. The pavilion was originally built as a
retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 12th century, and
converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950,
by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. The pavilion was rebuilt in
the Fifties to look even more garish than before - extending the gold leaf covering
it to the lower floor. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding
the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops.
In the 1220's it was the comfortable villa of Kintsune Saionji.
Yoshimitsu, the 3rd Shogun of Ashikaga, abdicated the throne in 1394. After
three years, he began to build Kitayamaden and he made a special effort to make
a breath taking site. He indulged in his peaceful life in this serene setting. After
Yoshimitsu's death, Kitayamaden was made into a Zen temple in accordance with
his will. All the building of those days came to ruin except Kinkaku. The garden,
however, remains as it was former days and can be enjoyed as it was hundreds of
years ago. Rokuonji Temple was inscribed as World Cultural Heritage in 1994.
Admission 500 Yen ($5.00)
How to get there?
From Kyoto Station take the RAKU 101 or 205 bus. Approximately 40 minutes. 1
way and will cost 220 Yen ($2.20) or use the Kyoto Bus Pass. Get off at the
Kinkakuji-michi stop.
From Kyoto Station take the RAKU 101 or 205 bus. Approximately 40 minutes. 1
way and will cost 220 Yen ($2.20) or use the Kyoto Bus Pass. Get off at the
Kinkakuji-michi stop.