Golden Pavilion, But Make It Matcha
5:31 PMLeaving Kyoto in 2 days (rude), so I picked one last big sparkle: Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in the north wearing actual gold leaf like it woke up and chose extra.
Getting there (feat. my bus confidence)
Hopped a city bus (I boarded like I knew what I was doing; I did not).
Partner navigated; I contributed vibes and snacks.
On the way: a matcha shop ambushed me. I bought first, repented never.
a matcha shop ambushed me. I bought first, repented never.
Yaay, the entrance! Too excited.
Green everywhere, camera feral, self-control at 0%.
Green everywhere, camera feral, self-control at 0%.
Priorities, in order:
Food.
I told myself “explore first, snack later.” I lied.
Dango
Chewy, grassy, perfect. That’s it. That’s the caption.
Thank you for attending my Dango Talk.
Bought one to eat now, one for later, one “for photos” (which I also ate).
Tickets, facts, tiny flex
Entrance: ¥400 (adults), ¥300 (children)
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (daily)
The current pavilion was rebuilt in 1955 (the previous one burned down).
Three floors, three moods:
- Shinden style (aristocrat house energy)
- Buke style (samurai chic, gold outside)
- Zen hall with a golden phoenix on top
You can’t go inside (tragic), but you can stare glamorously across the pond like a mysterious heiress in a period drama. ✔️
Jizō statue: people toss coins and make wishes.
I tossed one for extra height. Still 155 cm of pure ambition. wtf.
Ryūmon-baku: “Dragon-Gate Waterfall.”
The rock in the middle is Rigyōseki: the “carp stone.”
Legend says the carp becomes a dragon if it makes the leap.
Me too, if I ever reach the top shelf.
Queues for charms everywhere. I bought “good grades,” “safe travels,” “life success.” Sadly, no “grow 10 cm” model (ToT).
But there’s merch, snacks, and more snacks. Choose your destiny ヽ(・∀・)ノ
But there’s merch, snacks, and more snacks. Choose your destiny ヽ(・∀・)ノ
Have been maddddddddly in love with matcha dango, bought it to hotel (ﾟωﾟ=)ﾉ =3 =3
Quick plan you can steal
Go early (fewer crowds, softer light).
Shoes you actually walk in. Paths are gentle but you’ll wander.
Bus lines: 12, 59, 101, 102, 204, or 205 → Kinkaku-ji-michi stop (3-min walk).
Verdict
Kinkaku-ji is exactly what it says on the tin: gold, serene, a little theatrical, and unreasonably photogenic.
Come for the temple, stay for the garden loop and matcha everything.
If you hear someone whisper “okaay slay, i will buy all dangos,” that was me.
Happy gilded wandering ✨
HoursDaily 9am-5pm
TransportationBus 12, 59, 101, 102, 204, or 205 to Kinkakuji-michi (3 min.)
Prices Admission ¥400 adults, ¥300 children
Happy holidays!
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