Aside from the Fushimi Inari Shrine (which was number 1 on my Kyoto must-see list), I also wanted to see the Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple located in Northern Kyoto. I have seen pictures of it from my friends’ travels and online and it has always captivated me.
David and I got to the Kinkaku-ji late afternoon and it was raining. We were actually rushing to get there because the Golden Pavilion closes at 5 p.m. Before entering the premises, we decided to take refuge at this huge gate at the entrance to take a break and eat our Manneken waffles we bought at a train station.
After we had our quick rest and filled our tummy, David bought the tickets (¥400 each) to enter the premises of the Golden Pavilion. There were a lot of people when we went but buying the tickets only took a few minutes.
When we entered the premises, we took pictures right away with the Kinkaku-ji in the background. The Kinkaku-ji was as majestic as I imagined it to be. It was sooooo beautiful and pictures don’t do it justice. Sadly, we weren’t able to enter the temple so we only admired it from the outside.
After taking pictures, we walked around some more. The place gave a sense of serenity and tranquility with its pond and all its greenery. It was definitely a perfect place for an afternoon walk in the rain. The walking path leads to gardens, statues, coin toss spot, a tea house, and a souvenir shop. I could have easily spent a whole day here, but as always, I did not have all the time in the world as we were only in Kyoto for a day and a half.
At the end, we bought souvenirs and when we exited the premises of the Golden Pavilion, we rewarded ourselves with a mango float. It was raining but it was still a bit humid and all that walking made us thirsty so a refreshing mango float hit the spot!
We also wanted to check out the Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Pavilion, which got its inspiration from the Golden Pavilion, but we didn’t have time. 🙁 So hopefully, on my next trip to Japan, whenever that may be, I’d get to see it, too.
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What a magical place! Those tickets are so impressive, I would love to hold those. They are like a work of art to a European like me!
I can’t wait to visit Kyoto next spring! It looks beautiful and so different from everywhere I’ve traveled.
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Did you guys not get a chance to go inside because it was later in the day? Or is admission only to see the grounds? Love that you found a spot with very few tourist – that’s golden!
Ooohhh! I’m so excited for you! Where else do you plan on going in Kyoto? Will it be your first time?
Beautiful place and looks so peaceful!
I love seeing the Golden Pavilion and I”m glad you could make it! There’s usually lots of people, being a unesco world heritage site but just plain awesome photo op. But with the rain it looks like it wasn’t too crazy for your visit. I’ll have to try the mango float next time I lead a group. Thanks! And the silver pavilion I actually like more for its rock gardens and nature, but it’s not silver like many assume. So it has an entirely different draw from kinkakuji. Thanks for sharing!
you lead a tour group?? that is awesome! yes! Definitely try the mango float! <3 I didn't get a chance to go to ginkaku-ji. 🙁 maybe next time!
Looks like a great place. I regret not going to Kyoto when I was in Tokyo a couple of months back. But may be I’ll try again this year end.
You’re going back to Japan? I’m so jealous! I wish I can go back sooner than later!
Your pictures look fab and you seemed to have a good time, despite the rain lol! X