Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Rokuon ji temple is well known as Kinkaku ji temple (Golden pavilion). Most tours includes visiting both Ginkaku ji and Kinkaku ji.

Kinkaku-ji temple is the common name for "Rokuon-ji temple" which is a Zen temple for the Rinzai Buddhist. The Golden Pavilion is especially famous because it enshrines the Buddha's ashes. This is why the name Kinkaku-ji is commonly used instead of Rokuon-ji.

In the reconstruction of the Kitayama-dono by Yoshimitsu in 1397, the finest work was accomplished for both the building and garden: the most elaborate idea, however, was devised for the Golden Pavilion.

One fact that is frequently misunderstood is that although Yoshimitsu laid out the basic structure of the temple, he did not build the Rokuon-ji temple.

Yoshimitsu built the Golden Pavilion, and only after Yoshimitsu's death did the Kitayama-dono become a Zen temple called "Rokuon-ji temple".

After becoming "Rokuon-ji temple", named after Yoshimitsu's Buddhist name, the Buddhist sanctum or the abbot's chamber were built.

Kinkaku ji was constructed in 1398 as a villa for Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, then, it changed to Zen temple and has consisted of 3 floors. 1st floor is a classic aristocratic mansion style. 2nd floor is drawing room style and 3rd one is Zen style. Kyochiko (A Mirror pond) is also famous. The scenery of projecting the Kinkakuji Temple on the water surface is great view. Everytime I go to Kyoto, Everytime I go to Kinkaku ji. Why? Because it’s so beautiful.

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