If you are staying in Kyoto, you must not forgot to visit Kinkaku-Ji, known as the “Golden Pavilion”. The zen temple is located in the northern part of Kyoto. It is a very well known World Heritage Site of Japan.
The two floors of the temple are covered in gold leaf, inside there is the relics of the Buddha (closed to the public). When you arrived, you will see Kinkaku-Ji from across the “mirror pond” where you can admire the reflection of the temple in the water. In my opinion, this is the best spot to take some pictures and set a great phone wallpaper as a souvenir from Japan.
After that, you will walk around the pond so that you can see the temple from each sides, I don’t want to tell you too much but if you take your time visiting the garden (totally worth it) and climb just a little bit you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Kinkaku-ji from the top. Also, I recommend you to go there around 3:30 or 4 PM, because there is less people and you might enjoy a beautiful sunset.
This beautiful temple was a model for Ginkaku-Ji‘s construction (Silver Pavilion), but this is a story that I save for later…
How to get to Kinkaku-Ji from Mitsuki :
Walk 5 min to Karasume Marutamachi Station, take the bus 204 to Kinkaku-Ji, then ride 13 stops until Kinkakuji-michi and walk 3 min to the entrance gate. That’s only a 30 min trip.
Opening hours :
Everyday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Enjoy all of our beautiful gems in Kyoto and stay with us at Mitsuki Ryokan, by booking here :