Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Tours and Activities
82 Reviews

With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight. Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.
The Basics
You can’t enter the pavilion itself, but crowds come to admire its stunning architecture, enjoy views of the temple across the mirror pond, and stroll around the temple gardens.
Tours of Kyoto’s shrines and temples stop at the Golden Pavilion. A temple tour generally includes a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kyoto Cultural Forest. Alternatively, take the scenic route on a bike tour, visit with a professional photographer guide to maximize your chances of capturing postcard-worthy shots, or combine it with Kyoto attractions, such as Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. It’s also possible to visit on a day trip from Osaka or Nara, or as part of a multi-day Japan itinerary from Tokyo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to enter the temple grounds.
- Plan between 30 minutes and an hour to admire the temple, take photos, and explore the gardens.
- A traditional Japanese teahouse is in the temple grounds, and souvenir shops, food vendors, and restaurants are just outside the gates.
- The temple grounds and walkways are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Golden Pavilion, at the foot of Kinugasa Hill in northwest Kyoto, is a short taxi ride from downtown Kyoto. Bus 100 and 205 run there from Tokyo Station, and it’s a brief bus or taxi ride from the closest subway, Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Line).
When to Get There
The Golden Pavilion can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Get there before tour buses show up or before closing for the best chance of a crowd-free view. For the best photos, avoid the midday sun, visit in autumn for a colorful and interesting backdrop, or be there on one of the year’s coldest days to snap a shot of the snow-covered temple.
Golden Pavilion Architecture
The Golden Pavilion began as shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s 14th-century villa and transformed into a Zen Buddhist temple after his death. Numerous wars over the years have burned down and destroyed it, but the current temple, rebuilt in 1955, retains unique architectural details. Each floor showcases a different style: the Shinden-style first floor, the Bukke-style second floor, and the Chinese Zen hall-inspired top two floors.
Address: Kita-ku Kinkaku-ji-cho, Kyoto, Kinki 603-8361, Japan
Admission: Varies
79 Tours and Activities to Experience Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
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Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Trip - Golden Pavilion and Todai-ji Temple from Kyoto
343
Discover the history and religions of ancient Japan during this full-day exploration of Kyoto and Nara. See Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, along with its Imperial Palace. Then drive from Kyoto to Nara to explore its own World Heritage Site, Todai-ji Temple (including Great Buddha Hall), plus Kasuga Shrine. You also visit Nara’s deer park and sample a Japanese and Western-style meal for lunch. Your Nara and Kyoto visit also includes a guide, coach transport, and all entrance fees.
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From
$154.94
From
$154.94
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Early Bird Tour
42
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations and with over 50 million annual visitors, it can get busy. This tour makes an early start so you can avoid the crowds and cram much more into your day. Stroll around the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the tour groups arrive, visit Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) right as it opens, and walk through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari (Shrine) before the midday heat.
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From
$127.55
Price varies by group size
From
$127.55
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Highlights 1 Day Trip - Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple from Kyoto
546
Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour. See the tranquil Kiyomizu Temple amid its verdant surroundings; absorb the Imperial majesty of Kyoto Imperial Palace; and stroll amid the botanical beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple. Behold the beguiling beauty of the Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine and enrich your knowledge of Kyoto’s rich historical heritage with commentary from an informative guide. Moderate levels of fitness are advisable for this tour, on which a lot of walking occurs.
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From
$147.39
From
$147.39
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Morning Tour - Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Imperial Palace from Kyoto
183
Marvel at the some of the top UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and palaces of ancient Kyoto on this half-day tour. This quick introduction to the sights of Kyoto covers Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and the Japanese Emperor’s former Imperial Palace—a perfect way to see the city if you’re short on time. Your guided morning Kyoto excursion includes entrance fees and transport between sites by coach.
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From
$73.69
From
$73.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Cultural Forest, Shrine and Temple Tour with Options
408
This guided tour helps you discover lots of Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Tenryuji Temple.
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From
$155.05
From
$155.05
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji Temple Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
3
Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) is one of Kyoto's most recognizable landmarks and a must-see, but you will have a must richer experience by visiting it with a guide who can provided detailed historical context to the much-photographed temple.
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From
$24.23
Price varies by group size
From
$24.23
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour
48
Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural splendor of Kyoto on this private tour, ideal for first-time visitors. Choose from two different routes, both of which cover major Kyoto attractions including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and explore the city with a personal guide. On the northwest-bound route, you’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Park. Alternatively, the southeast course covers the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Gion area. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour.
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From
$216.21
Price varies by group size
From
$216.21
Price varies by group size

Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour
97
Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
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From
$157.00
per group
From
$157.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Half Day Tour of Nijo Castle and Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
5
Explore two of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji, during this 4-hour excursion to these two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive the era of the Japanese ‘shoguns’ (military leaders) in the 17th century during an hour-long visit to Nijo Castle. Continue on to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the beautiful ‘Golden Pavillion’ constructed in the 14th century by the Ashikaga clan. Your guide, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are also covered.
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From
$179.51
per group
From
$179.51
per group

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
246
Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.
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From
$96.90
From
$96.90
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour
117
Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.
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From
$170.06
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Private Custom Tour: Kyoto in One Day
32
Make the most of your time in Kyoto by booking a customized private tour with an expert guide. Create your own sightseeing itinerary, choosing from among dozens of cultural and historic landmarks, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo Castle or Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Choose either a half-day or full-day itinerary and travel via public transport accompanied by your guide. Transportation and lunch is included on this comprehensive and flexible Kyoto tour.
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From
$214.15
Price varies by group size
From
$214.15
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Day Trip by Bus to Kyoto from Osaka/Kyoto
50
Enrich yourself with the fascinating history of Kyoto’s numerous UNESCO-listed temples and shrines during this day trip from Osaka. Explore the seemingly endless ‘torii’ gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, and explore Kinkaku-ji temple. Customize your trip by adding on a deluxe or standard Japanese style lunch, and select from four pickup points.
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From
$76.31
From
$76.31
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Virtual Tour
47
This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This unique 1h tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. The friendly host will make your experience more interactive. We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. PLEASE NOTE the tour time is Japan standard time. Make adjustment to your time when booking.
We'll send you Zoom URL invitation a few hours before the tour.
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From
$14.17
From
$14.17
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Kyoto One Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private
17
This personalized full-day Kyoto tour with a local is ideal for first-time visitors to the "City of Temples". You won’t waste a moment visiting places that don’t interest you as this tour is fully customizable based on your interests. Choose the neighborhoods you’d like to visit, and see many of Kyoto’s top sites. Exploring the city with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you'll learn lots of local tips that you wouldn’t discover otherwise.
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From
$180.33
Price varies by group size
From
$180.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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One Day Tour : Enjoy Kyoto to the fullest!
2
Take in the highlights of Kyoto in one day with a guide who shares insights into the city’s history and culture. Stroll through the picturesque Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and visit three important temples and shrines: Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji temple—known for its Zen garden, and Fushimi Inari shrine—known for rows of bright orange torii gates. You’ll also walk into the Gion district where you might see a geisha.
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From
$154.43
Price varies by group size
From
$154.43
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour
27
Sightsee through Kansai’s most scenic areas, seeing iconic landmarks in Nara and Kyoto in one day, without the hassle of changing trains or getting lost. With pickup times in either Osaka or Kyoto, board a convenient tour bus to visit the 1000 vermilion gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine, scenic Nara Park, beautiful Arashiyama, and more.
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From
$87.00
From
$87.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Kyoto Lazy Bird Tour
1
Many Kyoto day tours start early in the morning, which can be a challenge for travelers with jet lag. Avoid the early start, and opt for a lazy bird afternoon tour instead. Save time researching which sights to visit, and go on a predetermined itinerary of three top attractions—Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
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From
$94.48
Price varies by group size
From
$94.48
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Early Bird feat. Kiyomizu-dera Temple tour
Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see.
Here we offer a luxurious tour early in the morning that enables you to visit three of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto comfortably and efficiently.
Kyoto is always crowded with tourists.
Be an early bird and avoid the crowds.
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From
$132.27
Price varies by group size
From
$132.27
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Early Bird Wheelchair User Tour
Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see.
Here we offer a luxurious tour early in the morning that enables you to visit three of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto comfortably and efficiently with avoiding the crowds.
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From
$144.14
Price varies by group size
From
$144.14
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Kyoto Golden Early Morning Tour
1
Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see.
Here we offer a luxurious tour early in the morning that enables you to visit five of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto comfortably and efficiently while avoiding the crowds.
…More
From
$144.14
Price varies by group size
From
$144.14
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Kyoto Platinum Early Morning Tour
3
Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see.
Here we offer a luxurious tour early in the morning that enables you to visit six of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto comfortably and efficiently while avoiding the crowds.
…More
From
$132.27
Price varies by group size
From
$132.27
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Early Riser Privilege Tour
Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan. There are plenty of wonderful sights, but it is always busy with tourists from all over the world so it’s hard to enjoy Kyoto's original goodness in depth and quietly.
Here we offer a luxurious tour that can enable you to visit three of the most famous tourist attractions in Kyoto with fresh air and fewer people in half a day. After this tour, you can spend your own time on your favorite activities.
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From
$132.27
Price varies by group size
From
$132.27
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Kyoto Samurai and Geisha Town Private Tour
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. Meanwhile, not only nobles, including Emperors and royal families, but also samurais, especially Shoguns, used to have a deep relationship with Kyoto. With this tour, you can visit gorgeous castles and temples founded by powerful Shoguns of different eras and learn about Kyoto and Japan’s history.
Kyoto also prospered as a capital, then the traditional and unique culture, including geishas and a row of town houses has very well preserved. By visiting the world-famous Gion, you can experience traditional Japanese heritage. This tour starts a little bit early in the morning, but enables you to enjoy your day comfortably, avoiding crowds.
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From
$170.06
Price varies by group size
From
$170.06
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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