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Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan

Hours

Kinkakuji Temple Hours

Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, irrespective of the season.

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

Is Kinkaku-ji Temple closed?

The temple is open to visitors every day of the year, and doesn’t close for holidays or the weather!

Visitors heading to Kinkaku-ji Temple in snow during winter
Visitors heading to Kinkaku-ji Temple in snow during winter

🚌 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.

What time does Kinkaku-ji Temple open?

Kinkaku-ji Temple opens at 9:00 am daily. Close to the opening time is the best time to visit, with much less crowds.

Towards mid-morning and later, the crowds pick up with Kyoto tour buses arriving here as part of one of their stops.

🌿 Discover Kyoto’s Early Morning Serenity! Experience the city’s tranquility with the Kyoto Early Bird Walking Tour. This 5 to 6-hour tour visits popular sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive.

What time does Kinkaku-ji Temple close?

Kinkaku-ji Temple closes at 5:00 pm daily. If you are planning to visit late afternoon, make sure you arrive by 4:00 pm so you don’t feel rushed admiring this stunning Buddhist temple.

🌸 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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple hours of operation

Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Golden Pavilion is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm daily.

How long does a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple take?

You will typically spend 45 minutes to an hour at this beautiful temple, allowing for a leisurely stroll around the Mirror Pond, a tea break at Sekkatei tea house, and a meditative contemplation of the beauty of the temple and its architecture!

For photographers and Japanese history buffs who want to soak in everything, allow more like 90 minutes.

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