Kinkaku-ji Travel Guide

Kinkaku-ji, formally named Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple), is a Zen Buddhist temple and a major tourist attraction in Kyoto, Japan. The temple is best known for its Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku), a reliquary hall covered in gold leaf. Built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death. Kinkaku-ji served as inspiration for Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), which was built by Yoshimitsu's grandson.The Golden Pavilion's architecture uniquely blends three distinct styles on its three floors. The first floor, in Shinden style, reflects Heian-era palace architecture with natural wood pillars and white plaster walls. Statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu are housed here, though the interior is not accessible to the public. The second floor, built in Bukke style, is typical of samurai residences and covered entirely in gold leaf. Inside, a seated Kannon Bodhisattva is surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, which are not on public display. The third floor, designed in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out and topped with a golden phoenix.The pavilion is set on the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), which reflects the golden structure. The garden retains its original design from Yoshimitsu's era and includes Anmintaku Pond, which is said to never dry up, and statues where visitors throw coins for luck. Although the temple has burned down several times throughout history, including during the Onin War and in 1950 by a fanatic monk, it was rebuilt in 1955. The present structure is a faithful restoration of the original design. Kinkaku-ji was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.