(Highlights)

Registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, the temple, formally named "Rokuon-ji Temple", was originally built in 1397 by the third Shogun of the Muromachi period but was burnt down by a fire caused by a young Zen Buddhist student in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. The garden and buildings centered on the Golden Pavilion was said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The temple also functioned as the official guest house. In 1987, gold foils were re-plated completely after one year and eight months of work. The golden structure forms a striking contrast to the water of the pond in front of it and the greenery surrounding the temple. As you walk on the path after viewing the temple, you will come across The "Sekka-tei (Place of Evening Beauty)" Tea House, where you can see the Golden Pavilion shining beautifully in the evening glow, and "Fudo-do" Temple hosing the stone statue of the Buddhist deity, "Fudo-myo-o." Yow will also find small stalls selling good-luck charms and small trinkets as well as souvenirs.

(How to enjoy)

Just walk on the pass leading to the Golden Pavilion and other buildings according to the instructions of a brochure you will be given after paying the admission at the gate. You can gaze at the magnificent golden structure and take its photos or ask someone for help to have your picture taken with the temple in the background. You can also enjoy drinking tea in the open-air garden near the "Sekka-tei" Tea House, or you can bask in the delicate aroma of burning incense at "Fudo-do" Temple. If you read the brochure, you can learn the history of the entire garden and the buildings.

(Others)

The bus fare is 230 yen and the admission fee is 600 yen.