The most convenient way to get to Kinkaku-ji Temple is by bus.
There are direct buses running from major stations and tourist spots within Kyoto city, making it relatively smooth to arrive there.
Below we will explain in detail how to access the area by bus from Kyoto Station and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo Kawaramachi).
The most convenient way to get to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Station is city bus route 205.
It is about a 6-minute walk from the bus stop to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The fare is 230 yen, and IC cards are also accepted.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station and then transfer to a bus from there.
The journey takes about 45 minutes, but the advantage is that it is less affected by traffic jams.
To get to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Shijo Kawaramachi, take city bus route 12 or 59.
The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and you should get off at the Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop.
The fee is 230 yen.
Buses run approximately every 15 minutes, making access easy; however, it is recommended that you allow plenty of time during peak tourist season as buses can get busy.
Another efficient way to get to Kinkaku-ji is to combine the subway and bus.
This method is recommended especially during busy times or if you have time.
By using the subway, you can avoid traffic jams and travel comfortably.
Below, we will explain in detail how to access the venue by combining subway and bus from Kyoto Station and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo Kawaramachi).
Access to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Station
The most efficient way to get from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple is to take the Karasuma subway line and a city bus.
First, take the subway Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Kitaoji Station.
The journey takes about 13 minutes and costs 290 yen.
From Kitaoji Station, take West Exit 1 and head towards Kitaoji Bus Terminal.
From the bus terminal, take city bus route 204 “Kinkaku-ji-ji/Ginkakuji-ji” or route 205 “Kinkaku-ji-michi/Ginkakuji-michi” and you will arrive at the “Kinkaku-ji-michi” bus stop in about 15 minutes.
The bus fare is 230 yen.
It is about a 6-minute walk from the bus stop to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The total travel time for this route is about 40 minutes, which is almost the same as if you were to take the bus only, but by using the subway you will be less affected by traffic jams.
Travel time 13 minutes by subway + 15 minutes by bus + 6 minutes on foot Fee 520 yen
Access to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo Kawaramachi)
To get from Shijo Kawaramachi to Kinkaku-ji Temple, it is convenient to combine the Karasuma subway line with a city bus.
First, take the subway Karasuma Line from Shijo Station and get off at Kitaoji Station.
The journey takes about 7 minutes and costs 260 yen.
From Kitaoji Station, take West Exit 1 and head towards Kitaoji Bus Terminal.
From the bus terminal, take city bus route 204 “Kinkaku-ji-ji/Ginkakuji-ji” or route 205 “Kinkaku-ji-michi/Ginkakuji-michi” and you will arrive at the “Kinkaku-ji-michi” bus stop in about 15 minutes.
The bus fare is 230 yen.
It is about a 6-minute walk from the bus stop to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The total journey time for this route is around 35 minutes, slightly less than if you were to take the bus only.
Travel time 7 minutes by subway + 15 minutes by bus + 6 minutes on foot Fee 490 yen
Access by train and bus
When traveling to Kinkaku-ji Temple from major stations in Kyoto, it is efficient to combine the JR or Hankyu trains with city buses.
The advantage is that you can avoid traffic jams and travel comfortably.
Below we will explain in detail how to access Kinkaku-ji Temple using JR and bus from Kyoto Station and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo Kawaramachi).
Access to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Station
To get from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple, it is convenient to combine the JR Sagano Line with a city bus.
First, take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Marumachi Station.
The journey takes about 7 minutes and costs 190 yen.
Exit the north exit of Marumachi Station and walk west for about 4 minutes to reach the Nishinokyo Marumachi bus stop.
From there, take city bus route 204 or 205 bound for Kinkaku-ji-michi and arrive at the Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop in about 9 minutes.
The bus fare is 230 yen.
Travel time JR 7 minutes + bus 9 minutes + walk 6 minutes Fee 420 yen
Access to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo Kawaramachi)
The most efficient way to get from Shijo Kawaramachi to Kinkaku-ji is to combine the Hankyu train and a city bus.
First, take the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Kawaramachi Station to Sainomiya Station.
The journey takes about 6 minutes and costs 160 yen.
After getting off at Saiin Station, take city bus number 205 bound for Kinkaku-ji from the Nishioji-Shijo bus stop in front of the station.
The bus ride takes about 17 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Get off at the Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop and walk for about 6 minutes to reach Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The total journey time for this route is around 30 minutes, slightly less than if you were to take the bus only.
Travel time Hankyu train 6 minutes + bus 17 minutes + walk 6 minutes Fee 390 yen
Access by taxi
Taking a taxi is a comfortable and convenient way to get to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
This is especially convenient if you are short on time or have a lot of luggage.
By taking a taxi, you can get directly to your destination without worrying about getting lost.
Below we will explain in detail how to access Kinkaku-ji Temple by taxi from major stations in Kyoto.
Access to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Station
If you take a taxi from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the journey will take about 25 minutes and cost around 4,000 yen.
The taxi stand at Kyoto Station is located on the north side of the station and is easy to find.
If you tell the taxi driver “To Kinkaku-ji Temple,” you will arrive at your destination smoothly.
Travel time Approximately 25 minutes Fee Approximately 4,000 yen
Access to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Shijo Kawaramachi)
If you take a taxi from Shijo Kawaramachi to Kinkaku-ji, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes and cost about 1,500 to 2,000 yen.
There are several taxi stands around Kawaramachi Station, making it easy to catch a taxi.
Please note that wait times may be longer during peak tourist seasons and on rainy days due to increased demand.
In that case, one option is to use a taxi dispatch app.
Travel time Approximately 20 to 30 minutes Fee Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 yen
Kinkaku-ji Temple admission fees and opening hours
Event times and business hours 9:00〜17:00 Fee Adults: 500 yen Elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen inquiry TEL: 075-461-0013 address 〒603-8361 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kita Ward, Kinkaku-ji-cho 1
summary
There are several routes to Kinkaku-ji Temple, primarily via Kyoto City Bus.
There are direct buses from major stations such as Kyoto Station and Kawaramachi Station, so even first-time visitors can visit without getting lost.
If you visit early in the morning, you’ll be able to travel leisurely on an empty bus.
It is only a 6-minute walk from the Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop, so you can enjoy sightseeing without worrying about the weather.
There are other tourist spots scattered around Kinkaku-ji Temple, so why not plan an efficient tour around the area?
