Exploring the Golden Pavilion Kyoto Japan | Kinkakuji Temple

In this video, you will explore with me the most beautiful temple in Kyoto, Japan with me. Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, Temple of the Golden Pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Kinkakuji Temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. According to his will, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkaku ji Temple was the inspiration for Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion) which was built by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of Kyoto a few decades later.

After viewing Kinkakuji from across the pond, the path passes by Kinkakuji from behind and then leads through the temple’s gardens. Part of the garden is Anmintaku Pond and the Sekkatei Teahouse, which was added to Kinkakuji during the Edo Period. The Anmintaku Pond is said to never dry up. Visitors often throw coins to seek good luck.

Visitors also pass by the head priest’s former living quarters (hojo), which are known for their painted sliding doors (fusuma), but are not open to the public. The path once again passes by Kinkakuji from behind and then leads through the temple’s gardens which have retained their original design from Yoshimitsu’s days.

The Kinkakuji temple is a popular Kyoto destination for tourists to take pictures. Many visitors come here to seek good health and prosperity.

Kinkakuji temple can be accessed from Kyoto Station by direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:32 The entrance
2:27 The Main Gate
3:13 Kinkaku-ji Temple Lake
5:31 The Golden Pavilion
8:05 Kinkakuji Temple Gift Shop
8:32 Kinkakuji Temple Gardens
10:33 Anmintaku Pond
15:19 The Sekkatei Teahouse

✅ You might enjoy watching some of these other videos:
✔️ Kiyomizudera Temple: https://youtu.be/9-0ndiFkUL8
✔️ Higashiyama District & Kodaiji Temple: https://youtu.be/Hv_goYJxvAM
✔️ Where to stay in Kyoto, Japan: https://youtu.be/5ZeZ__NqvCM
✔️ Gion Geisha District: https://youtu.be/-cuC62za0e0

✅ You might also enjoy watching some of my other videos of Japan:
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Music during the video:
“Kingdom of Nepal” by Sight of Wonders
“As Rainbows Fall” by Deskant
“Concussion” by Nihoni
“As You Flourished” by Mandala Dreams
“Admit Defeat” by Out Linear

#japan #kyoto #kinkakuji #kyototemple