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- Destinations
- Asia
- Japan
- Kyoto
- Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)
Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)
One of Kyoto's most popular attractions is to the north of the
city. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a three-storey pavilion
covered in gold leaf, glittering in the waters of a calm pond.
Kinkakuji was built in 1397 as a retirement home for Shogun
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who lived there in luxury until he died in
1408, after which the building was converted into a Zen temple. In
1950 a mad monk burnt the pavilion down, and it was not rebuilt
until 1955. Today it is covered in gold leaf five times thicker
than the original coating, and presents an awesome sight. A short
walk from the pavilion is Ryoanji, Japan's most famous Zen rock
garden, laid out in the 15th century. A veranda overlooks the
garden in which 15 rocks are set among raked white pebbles.
Information & Facts
Address
1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto
Admission
¥400 (adults), ¥300 (children)
Language
Japanese is the official language. Most Japanese people
will have studied English at school, but few can speak it well or
understand what is said to them.
Money
The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), which is equal to 100
sen. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and
stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Cash and travellers
cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency
exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to
3pm. Travellers cheques offer the best exchange rate and are best
taken in US dollars. ATMs do not accept all credit and debit cards;
only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some
major stores.
Opening Times
Time