This is a beautiful temple , but it has become a tourist trap . Lots of things are being sold around the temple and the amount of tourists disrupts the peace and original intent of the site.

The famed Golden Temple collects quite the crowds so go early, or if you're a photographer , brave the masses right before closing for better light. Entry closes around 4:30pm. Beautiful!

It's so grand and beautiful. In fact too beautiful for a temple . It doesn't take long to complete the circle and heading back out. Crowded all the time but do you have a choice?

Go early (like before 0800) and enjoy the lovely grounds before hoards of tourists descend later in the morning. Or, just before it closes; less crowd & nice light of the pavilion in the sunset !

Beautiful temple and a must-see when visiting Kyoto. Be sure to get your lake photos before continuing up the trail - the path dumps you out the exit and you can’t get back in.

From Kyoto station take the No.101 or 205 bus to Kinkakuji-michi.From other areas, take a bus to Kinkakuji-michi (large bus stop on bus maps) or Kinkakuji-mae (closer to the temple ) 400¥ Entrance fee

Lovely place but very crowded . The zen temple was originally a villa of a shogun and is covered in gold leaf. An entrance fee is required to get in.

A must visit temple . It is crowded , but you can get great shots as the sun starts to set and the light hits the gold plated pavilion.

Golden pavilion is perfect 👍🏼 Take Express bus from Kyoto Station and make a 30-40 min stop in nijoji Castle , and continue to Kinkakuji. Be avare Temple will be closed at 5pm

beautiful place. there are a small cafe that offer outside or inside Japanese house. they serve tea and sugar cake . the sugar cake are awesome and you can by more for home. and they expire in 10 days

can be accessed from Kyoto Sta. by direct Kyoto City Bus No.101/205 in about 40’ & for 230Y. Formerly known as Rokuanji, zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered by gold #TravelingKyoto

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) Temple of the Golden Pavilion 🧘🏼🏯🎋🎍Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto . Coin toss to gain luck and good fortune🙏🏼 💛 favourite place in Japan!

Visit the Golden Pavillion, designated as a National Special Historic Site and National Special Landscape, with 2 floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture ...

Go on a weekday in the afternoon to see the light reflecting off the pavilion, it id spectacular, as was the pavilion's reflection in the surrounding pond .

The "Golden Pavilion." Much larger pond and lovely photogenic corners here, more so than across town at Ginkaku-ji. Still, can be overrun with tourists during afternoon.

Beautiful golden temple nicely reflected on the lake . Can come for a quick tour as the golden pagoda is the only highlight here

One of the most beautiful and iconic temples in Japan with crowds to prove it. Come early for the most enjoyable visit or late for the best lighting for photos.

One of the best known sites in Japan and one of Kyoto’s must see attractions . The Zen temple’s top two floors are completely covered in brilliant gold leaf.

I can't miss place in Kyoto but be prepared for hordes of people and food/merchandise stalls - one of the most commercial temples in Kyoto

A bit crowded , but worth a view at golden pavilion surrounded by beautiful nature. Must see

One of Japan’s most iconic buildings, Kinkakuji was built as the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the early 1400s and became a Zen temple after his death.

IMHO the most beautiful temple in Kyoto . There are hundreds of temple in town , this should be always included in the must see list

Admission fee os 400JPY. Enjoy the view surrounding the Pavillon - the scenery really integrates the outside and the inside.

LOTSA tourists ( especially big groups) here & there & everywhere 😔 but it's still great to visit one of the gorgeous world culture heritage sites.

A nice walk around the garden and take photos of the temple for ¥500. Cash only .

The stuff that Orientalist architectural fantasies are made of. Its reflection is a magical mirror image in the water it seemingly floats on. The grounds include a 600-year-old bonsai tree . Read more

Probably not the best but one of he most famous temples . Anyway is a good idea to visit together with Ryoan-ji.

Kids might ask you some questions, but in return you'll get origami! The temple is amazing, but very busy!

The golden pagoda! Super crowded and small area so you can finish the walk in about 30 minutes or so, with the crowd.

Amazing sight, going to Japan and not visiting the Golden Pavilion is a criminal mistake

It's worth seeing but not worth going to see. The pavilion is really the highlight but as a sole destination not interesting enough after all the other temples and shrines in Kyoto.

A must visit place in Kyoto. Touristy though. Can grab some snacks or ice cream around that area.

Amazing how one temple made of gold attracted so many to see it. Be early to avoid crowds.

I was impressed by Snowy Kinkaku-ji Temple .You can preview current status via a live camera on the following url.http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/k_access.html

This is a must see! Purchase an all-day bus pass for ¥500 at Kyoto station . Take the 205 bus to get to the temple . ¥400 admission, closed at 5 PM.

Definitely love the views behind the temple , and also through the gardens !

Visit if you like temples . A maybe-see. Enjoyed the silver pavilion more. Interesting story behind the rivalry.

Can't miss this golden temple ...pretty crowded , but work your way over to the left after entering for clear shots.

Especially very nice with the green environment..

Wow, it's stunning. It can get really really crowded around sunset though.

One of My favourite places in kyoto. Generally crowed but worth the visit. Go early

You need to come here a few more times to enjoy the view in different seasons

Entrance fee is 300 yen. Come late in the afternoon or during sunset when the golden pavilion reflects the sunlight

Unfortunately it’s a tourist trap . There is one crowded path that goes around the temple and that’s it. You might as well take a look at pictures here or on the internet and save yourself the trip.

I've been at this nice place. I liked very much. It happened in 2012. Miss the time.

Enjoy a cup of green tea and a gold flaked red bean cake over looking the garden .

Really beautiful temple . Dogs are ok as long as you carry them

This golden temple really is impressive

The Golden Pavilion, super famous, super beautiful, but less awesome than the Silver Pavilion.

You can't visit Japan without going to see the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.