Kinkakuji temple in Japan raises ticket prices for the first time in 30 years

This decision was made due to a decrease in visitor numbers due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with increasing costs of maintenance and security protection.

According to the announcement, the ticket price will increase to about 100-500 yen, or about 3.7 USD. However, the price of 300 yen remains the same for elementary and junior high school students, while children in kindergarten are still free. This is to ensure equality and access for different customers.

The main reason for the price increase is to increase income and ensure the temple is better maintained and preserved in the future. Temple staff hope that visitors will understand and sympathize with this decision, in order to support the maintenance and service of the public in a sustainable way.

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is a Zen temple located in northern Kyoto. The highlight of this temple is that the top floor is completely covered with gold leaf, creating a brilliant and impressive image. It was formerly the resting place of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and later became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect according to his will.

Kinkakuji has gone through various stages of history and was destroyed many times in the past, including during the Onin Civil War and due to the actions of a fanatical monk. However, the temple was rebuilt in 1955 and continues to exist as an impressive structure to this day.

When visiting Kinkakuji, visitors will discover floors with different architectural styles. The first floor is in Shinden style, the second floor is in Bukke style, and the top floor is in the Chinese Zen Hall style. Each floor has its own unique character and creates a sacred and peaceful space.

In addition to seeing the golden pagoda, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding garden. Lake Anmintaku, which is said to never dry up, and statues where people often throw coins for good luck are notable points. Guests can also visit the Sekkatei tea room and enjoy matcha tea and sweets in the small tea garden.

The increase in the ticket price of the golden temple Kinkakuji is a necessary decision to ensure the existence and service of the temple in the future. Even so, visiting Kinkakuji is still a wonderful experience for visitors, offering not only surprise with its unique architecture but also peace and quiet in the green space of the surrounding garden.