Kinkaku-ji is known as golden pavilion. The real temple name is Rokuon-ji. “Ji” means “temple” in Japanese.
It’s on the list of must-see spots in Kyoto. I visit there many times as tour guide.
And I start thinking about when is the best time to visit there. Japanese strolling garden is designed beautifully for each season. We can see seasonal flowers and trees at each season.
Japan is famous for cherry blossom which bloom early April. However Kyoto is popular for Autumn leaves among Japanese.
Some temples open for night illumination in Autumn leaves season.
So what about Golden pavilion ? When is the best season to visit there ?
Example 1 :
We can see the maple trees in front of pond. And color combination of crimson leaves, blue sky, green pine trees and golden pavilion is just beautiful !
Example 2 :
This picture below was taken in March. The tree in front of golden pavilion doesn’t have any leaf. But this picture was taken in sunny day. So sun shine makes it more shiny!
Example 3 :
This picture below was also taken in March. And this picture was taken in cloudy day. Golden pavilion doesn’t much shiny in cloudy day. But the wind is weak so we can see the good reflection of golden pavilion on pond.
Example 4 :
This picture below was taken in April. Purple lily flowers make it gougers.
I cannot choose the season! Then what time of the day is the best timing to visit ?
Example 5 :
This picture was taken around 4 pm afternoon. The golden pavilion gets sun shine from west sky and it shines around 4 pm.
After I compared these pictures above, What time and when is the best season to visit ..!?
1. Autumn leave season.
The Autumn leave peak season slides every year depend on weather and temperature. Usually from middle of October to early November.
2. Sunny and no wind day.
It is difficult to choose the weather during your short stay on trip. But you can check the weather forecast.
3. Around 4 pm.
If you like to see the gold shine, you should come to visit this hour. The sunset timing slides on each season.
4. Snowing day in winter.(Exceptional great timing)
This is also difficult timing to visit even if you live in Kyoto. But the golden pavilion in snow is extremely beautiful !!
