Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto, Japan • INR 300 approx.•
Must Do
Must DoRecommended to Self-explore






Best months to visit
Apr, Nov
10°C – 20°C, april features mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms, enhancing the beauty of kinkaku-ji, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 20°C, april features mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms, enhancing the beauty of kinkaku-ji, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
While the main viewing area of the Golden Pavilion is accessible via gravel paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, much of the surrounding gardens include steps and uneven terrain, limiting full accessibility. An accessible restroom is available on the grounds.
While the main viewing area of the Golden Pavilion is accessible via gravel paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, much of the surrounding gardens include steps and uneven terrain, limiting full accessibility. An accessible restroom is available on the grounds.
Value for money
Medium
Price is fair, but crowds slightly diminish experience.
Price is fair, but crowds slightly diminish experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity



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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Stunning Beauty
Couples were mesmerized by the Golden Pavilion's reflection. Truly a must-see in Kyoto!
Picturesque Stroll
Travelers enjoyed the garden's serene paths, perfect for a romantic walk together.
Iconic Landmark
Visitors felt it was a quintessential Kyoto experience, ideal for couples' photos.
Overcrowded Experience
Couples reported feeling rushed due to large crowds, diminishing the zen atmosphere.
Limited Access
Some couples found the lack of access to the pavilion's interior disappointing.
Cash Only
Visitors were inconvenienced by the cash-only payment policy for entry tickets.
How to book
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM

6-14°C
December features cool to cold weather with lower chances of rain, offering a serene atmosphere for visitors.
December features cool to cold weather with lower chances of rain, offering a serene atmosphere for visitors.
Open
Generally open with standard hours; however, some facilities may have special schedules during the New Year period.
Generally open with standard hours; however, some facilities may have special schedules during the New Year period.
Recommended
December offers a peaceful ambiance with fewer tourists, making it a pleasant time to explore Kinkaku-ji.
December offers a peaceful ambiance with fewer tourists, making it a pleasant time to explore Kinkaku-ji.
January
LOW

-8-12°C
January in Kyoto is freezing cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C. The sky is mostly cloudy, giving a grey appearance.
January in Kyoto is freezing cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C. The sky is mostly cloudy, giving a grey appearance.
Open
No specific restrictions; however, visitors should dress warmly due to cold temperatures.
No specific restrictions; however, visitors should dress warmly due to cold temperatures.
Not recommended
Visiting Kinkaku-ji in January offers a serene experience with minimal crowds, but be prepared for cold and cloudy weather.
Visiting Kinkaku-ji in January offers a serene experience with minimal crowds, but be prepared for cold and cloudy weather.
February
LOW

1-8°C
February in Kyoto is cold with occasional snowfall, offering a serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji.
February in Kyoto is cold with occasional snowfall, offering a serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji.
Open
No specific restrictions; standard operating hours apply.
No specific restrictions; standard operating hours apply.
Recommended
Visiting Kinkaku-ji in February offers a peaceful ambiance with the possibility of picturesque snowy landscapes.
Visiting Kinkaku-ji in February offers a peaceful ambiance with the possibility of picturesque snowy landscapes.
March
MEDIUM

5-13°C
March brings milder weather as spring approaches, with occasional rain showers.
March brings milder weather as spring approaches, with occasional rain showers.
Open
No specific restrictions; standard operating hours apply.
No specific restrictions; standard operating hours apply.
Recommended
March offers a balance of comfortable weather and moderate crowds, making it a pleasant time to visit Kinkaku-ji.
March offers a balance of comfortable weather and moderate crowds, making it a pleasant time to visit Kinkaku-ji.
How to get there

Bus
Recommended
Kyoto City Bus numbers 101 and 205 from Kyoto Station (Kinkakuji-michi stop) provide direct access to Kinkaku-ji.

Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto and offer a direct route to Kinkaku-ji.

Walking
Recommended
Walking is possible from nearby areas, such as Randen Kitano Hakubai-cho Station (approx. 20-minute walk).

Bike
Cycling is an option, with bicycle parking available near the temple.

Car
Parking facilities are available near the temple for those driving.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required

Viator

