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Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto, Japan

Entrance Fee

Kinkakuji Temple Entrance Fee

Kinkakuji Temple entrance fee is currently at 500 yen for the general public tickets and a discounted 300 yen for primary and middle school students.

In current exchange rates, this translates to roughly $3, a nominal charge for such a stunning attraction!

The entry fee covers a visit to the beautiful golden temple and meticulously maintained gardens.

Kinkaku-ji Temple gardens in fall colors
Kinkaku-ji Temple gardens in fall colors

Planning a trip to Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Golden Pavilion? Visit our Kinkaku-ji Temple home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan

🚌 Explore Kyoto’s Iconic Landmarks in a Day! Join the PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour to visit must-see sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple and more. This comprehensive tour is ideal for travelers with limited time.

How to pay the Kinkaku-ji Temple admission fee?

Bring cash. You have to pay cash only (credit cards are not accepted), and there are no ATMs nearby, so make sure you have yen on hand!

Where to pay the Kinkakuji Temple entry fee?

You will purchase the tickets at the entrance gate before entering the temple grounds. No advance booking or reservations are currently available, but lines to pay are usually never lengthy, even during peak tourist season.

🌸 Experience Kyoto’s Nightlife and Cuisine! Dive into the local food scene with the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour. This 3-hour evening tour explores the Gion and Pontocho districts, offering a variety of traditional dishes and insights into Kyoto’s culinary culture.

What if I visit as part of a tour?

Most Kyoto day tours stop at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of the must-see Kyoto attractions, and will usually include the admission fee in their tour tickets. Check if your tour covers it!

🦌 Visit Nara’s Historic Sites and Friendly Deer! Explore beyond Kyoto with the World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience. This full-day tour includes visits to Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and a matcha tea experience in Uji.

Best time to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple

While the Kinkaku-ji Temple opening hours are 09:00 am to 05:00 pm daily, note that the best time to visit is as close to opening as possible, especially during peak tourist season when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

You will avoid the crowds that typically build up towards the mid-morning, and will have ample opportunity to snap photos from coveted spots along the garden path.

Looking for other Kyoto experiences to enjoy? Consider a hidden hiking tour at Fushimi Inari, a food tour at night, or a samurai experience!

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