Attraction

Кинкаку-дзи

Kinkaku-ji, dating from the late 14th century, is often pictured on the covers of Kyoto guidebooks. The upper floors of the temple are covered in gold leaf, which is why it is also known as the Golden Pavilion. This Zen Buddhist temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage group "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)." It has been rebuilt several times (first in the mid-15th century and again in the 1950s). Like most Zen temples, it is a large wooden building of hefty beams and columns, with walls and roof supported by wooden structural systems designed for strength and earthquake resistance; the roof is built in a characteristically Japanese style with curved ends and layered tiles. Opening hours: 9:00–17:00. Admission: ¥500.