Overview
Built in 1397 by Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Kinkaku-ji features gold leaf covering its top two floors. Its golden reflection in the Kyoko-chi pond is one of Kyoto's most celebrated sights. Destroyed by arson in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955, the incident inspired Yukio Mishima's novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.' Admission JPY 400. Take city bus 101 or 205 to the Kinkakuji-michi stop.
Travel Tips
Arrive at opening time for thinner crowds. Kinkaku-ji blanketed in winter snow is especially stunning.
Affiliate link — RoadMento may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Kyoto, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Kyoto on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Kyoto with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Kyoto 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Ryoan-ji Temple
Zen temple home to the world's most famous karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden.
📍 1.1km away
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A dreamlike tunnel path beneath a canopy of towering bamboo.
📍 5.8km away
Nanzen-ji
The highest-ranked Zen temple in Japan, famous for its striking red-brick aqueduct.
📍 6.6km away
Things to Do in Kyoto
Kimono Walk in Gion
Rent a kimono and stroll Gion and Yasaka Shrine. Rental about JPY 3,000-6,000
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Rickshaw
Rickshaw tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and surroundings. From JPY 9,000/30min for 2
Fushimi Inari Night Hike
Walk through thousands of torii gates at night for a mystical atmosphere. Free, open 24 hours