Three generations admire the golden Shariden reflected in Mirror Pond at leisure
About this spot
A Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, Shokoku-ji school, formally known as Rokuon-ji, it originated from the mountain villa "Kitayamaden" built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. The image of the "Golden Pavilion" (Shariden), the reliquary hall enveloped in gold leaf, reflected on the surface of Mirror Pond, captivates people worldwide as one of Kyoto's most iconic views and is registered as a World Heritage site, "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The temple grounds route is laid out in a one-way loop around the pond with minimal elevation changes, making it easy for grandparents and grandchildren to walk together without strain. As you progress through the garden, continuous views of the Golden Pavilion come into sight, allowing three generations to share the same landscape that Yoshimitsu loved. The amulet-shaped admission tickets become perfect keepsakes of your trip and wonderful conversation starters for sharing historical tales with your grandchildren.
Tips
From Kyoto Station, take City Bus Line 205 and get off at "Kinkaku-ji Michi," about 3 minutes on foot. There is also a paid parking lot on the grounds. Just after the 9 a.m. opening, there are fewer tour groups, making it an ideal time to quietly view the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond. The route is one-way and flat, so grandparents can walk at their own leisure pace. There is a wheelchair accessible route available.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. The 9 a.m. time slot right after opening has fewer visitors, allowing for a quiet view of the Golden Pavilion gleaming in the morning light
Access & map
〒603-8361 Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinkaku-ji-cho 1
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