Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple
Wondering how to get from Kyoto Station to the Kinkaku-ji Temple?
There are three main ways to arrive, which we describe below.
Note that even though there are frequent city bus departures from Kyoto Station, buses can still be crowded so allow yourself plenty of time. Taking the subway to Kitaoji Station might be faster during congested times.
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!
By Train: JR Sagano Line (+ Bus)
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Enmachi Station (sometimes written as Emmachi Station).
From Enmachi Station catch the Kyoto City Bus (number 204 or number 205) and alight at the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop.
The temple is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.
By City Bus
Catch the Kyoto City Bus number 205 at Kyoto Station, and get off at the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop. Do not take the “Rapid” 205 bus!
Buses for Kinkaku-ji leave from the main bus terminal, on the north side of the Kyoto Station building. City Bus number 205 departs from Stand B3.
The bus ride from Kyoto Station bus terminal to the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop is around 40 minutes.
The temple is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.
You can also catch city bus number 101 from Stand B2, which also takes just under 40 minutes to arrive at Kinkaku-ji.
By Subway (+ City Bus)
Take the Karasuma Line on the subway to Kitaoji Station.
At Kitaoji Station (exit from the south gate), head to the Kitaoji Bus terminal and take the Kyoto City Bus (number 204 or number 205) and get off at the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop, from where the temple is just a short walk.
By Taxi
If you are not on a budget, then a taxi is a convenient way to get from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji. A taxi will set you back around 5,000 yen, although fares vary.