The Golden Pavilion stands as one of the most iconic and renowned locations in Japan. Kyoto, the ancient capital, is abundant with fascinating shrines, temples, and historic structures, but this particular temple, in my opinion, stands out as the most beautiful in Japan.

It is a highly popular tourist attraction in Kyoto, and for good reason! Taking a bad photo here is nearly impossible!

This travel guide will provide comprehensive information on how to reach the Golden Pavilion and everything you need to know before embarking on your journey!

The History of the Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion, originally a villa, was transformed into a Zen temple in the 15th century. During the Onin War of the mid-15th century, many buildings were destroyed, but this pavilion remained intact.

In the 1950s, tragedy struck as a suicidal monk set fire to the pavilion, causing catastrophic damage to most of the structure. However, it was restored in 1955 and has been preserved to this day.

Currently, the Golden Pavilion attracts numerous visitors from around the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with several other historic sites in Kyoto.

Exploring the Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion is a three-story temple covered in gold foil, overlooking a serene pond.

While the main展厅is not open to tourists, it's okay because the best views are from outside!

Although it's a relatively small site, you'll still want to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes here, as you'll likely be snapping numerous photos as you wander around.

It's one of the best places in Japan for photography!

The Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Golden Pavilion is in the morning, before the wind picks up, when you can see the reflection on the pond.

By midday, it can become quite crowded, especially during peak seasons like holidays and autumn.

While the Golden Pavilion may not be the best spot for viewing autumn foliage, you can still catch a glimpse of vibrant red leaves on a few trees. We visited in mid-November, when the foliage was at its peak.

Getting There

Unfortunately, the Golden Pavilion is not directly connected to any major train lines, but it's still quite easy to reach.

From Kyoto Station, you can take the Bus 205 for 40 minutes, or an Uber for 20 minutes.

If you're coming from Osaka, like we did, the best arrangement would be to get off at the Arashiyama Station, enjoy some of the most beautiful sights there, and then take an Uber to the Golden Pavilion for a quick visit.