Back to Nara
ActivityKinkakujichō, Nara
Kinkaku-ji
About
Known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji is a breathtaking Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in brilliant gold leaf. Standing dramatically over the Mirror Pond, it offers a stunning visual harmony with the surrounding manicured gardens. While you cannot enter the pavilion itself, walking the designated garden path provides iconic, postcard-perfect views of the shimmering reflection.
Insider Tip
Arrive 15 minutes before the gates open at 9:00 AM to catch the calmest pond reflections before the afternoon wind and crowds arrive.
Our Nara walking tours
Photos