Kinkaku-ji Travel Guide

Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple), is a Zen Buddhist temple and a major tourist attraction in Kyoto, Japan. The temple's nickname, the Golden Pavilion, comes from the reliquary hall (shariden) covered in gold leaf. The top two stories of the pavilion are adorned with gold leaf, creating a dazzling reflection on the Kyoko-chi, or Mirror Pond, in front of it.Originally built in 1397, Kinkaku-ji was the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi period. After his death in 1408, the villa was converted into a Zen temple, following his wishes. The pavilion's design incorporates different architectural styles on each of its three floors: the first floor is in the Shinden style of the Heian aristocracy, the second in the Buke style of samurai residences, and the third in the style of a Chinese Zen hall. Statues of Buddha, Yoshimitsu, and other Buddhist icons can be seen inside, and a bronze phoenix statue perches on the roof.Kinkaku-ji has faced a turbulent history, including destruction by fire during the Onin War and, more recently, in 1950, when it was burned down by a novice monk. The temple was rebuilt in 1955, faithfully replicating the original design, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Visitors can stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens, which feature the Anmintaku Pond, said never to dry up, and statues where people toss coins for good luck. The Sekkatei Teahouse, added during the Edo period, offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese tea culture.