How to Get from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji

Kyoto City Bus・Subway + Bus・JR Sagano Line + Bus・Taxi

How Far Is It from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji? How to Get from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji?

The distance from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji is approximately 8–9 km. The most direct options are Kyoto City Bus lines, while travelers looking to avoid road congestion can opt for train and bus combinations. Depending on traffic and the chosen mode, the journey typically takes 30–45 minutes.

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Direct

Kyoto City Bus

Direct · 35–45m

¥230
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Reliable

Subway + Bus

Transfer · 30m

¥490
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Alternative

JR Sagano Line + Bus

Transfer · 35m

¥460
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Private

Taxi

Direct · 20–25m

¥2,000 - ¥3,900
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Kyoto Station → Kinkaku-ji(Kyoto City Bus)

Compare Prices to Get from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji

Operators Price Duration Routes Features
Kyoto City Bus (#205 / #101) ¥230 40m Kyoto Station Bus Terminal -> Kinkakuji-michi Bus Stop Direct connection Frequent departures
Kyoto Municipal Subway + City Bus ¥490 30m Kyoto Station (Karasuma Line) -> Kitaoji Station (transfer) -> Kinkakuji-michi Bus Stop Avoids road congestion Reliable timing
JR West (Sagano Line) + City Bus ¥460 35m Kyoto Station -> Emmachi Station (transfer) -> Kinkakuji-michi Bus Stop Good alternative Uses JR pass

Compare Operators Between Kyoto Station and Kinkaku-ji

Train & Subway
Subway

Kyoto Municipal Subway (Karasuma Line)

Departure: Kyoto Station
Arrival: Kitaoji Station
Duration: 30m
Price: ¥260
Bus

Kyoto City Bus

Departure: Kitaoji Bus Terminal
Arrival: Kinkakuji-michi
Duration: 30m
Price: ¥230
City Bus
Bus

Kyoto City Bus

Departure: Kyoto Station (Stand B3)
Arrival: Kinkakuji-michi
Duration: 40m
Price: ¥230

Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Travel Tips

Avoid Rapid Buses

When taking bus #205, ensure it is NOT marked as 'Rapid,' as those services do not stop at Kinkaku-ji.

One-Day Passes

Consider purchasing a Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass if you plan on visiting multiple sites in Kyoto to save on cumulative fares.

Beat the Crowds

Kyoto buses are frequently crowded; if you are sensitive to peak-hour congestion, the Subway + Bus route is more reliable.

See all
Ohara/Kibune/Kurama
Kyoto
| 0.39km from city center

Located in Kyoto (Kita Ward), Guesthouse Sakura Komachi - Hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Kinkaku-ji Temple and within 3 minutes by car from Ryoan-ji Temple. This hostel is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Genkoan and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a television in a common area.

At Guesthouse Sakura Komachi - Hostel, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge.

Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage.

Make yourself at home in one of the 2 guestrooms featuring refrigerators. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Ohara/Kibune/Kurama
Kyoto
| 0.56km from city center

With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in Kyoto, within a 5-minute drive of Kinkaku-ji Temple and Shijo Street. This vacation home is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Kawaramachi Street and 3.9 mi (6.3 km) from Nishiki Market.

Enjoy recreation amenities such as bicycles to rent or take in the view from a garden. Additional amenities at this vacation home include complimentary wireless internet access and a television in a common area.

Featured amenities include laundry facilities, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area.

Make yourself comfortable in this individually decorated vacation home, featuring a kitchenette with a refrigerator and a stovetop. A 32-inch flat-screen television and a DVD player are provided, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.

Ohara/Kibune/Kurama
Kyoto
| 0.62km from city center

The second floor is reserved for your use Please use it not only for sightseeing but also for work such as teleworking

There are many restaurants and supermarkets nearby so it is convenient

The entire second floor including the bedroom and lounge is reserved for your use Please note

There is no elevator use the stairs

Detached house

Firstclass Kyoto Host Certification

We can guide you on a stroll around the area or a halfday stroll if you wish Free of charge but please pay your own fare

Kinkakuji is on foot and Ninnaji and Ryoanji are a short bus ride away

Seasonal Calendar of Kyowara Tenjin

Winter Use for Ritsumeikan entrance exams and preliminary inspections

Kitano Tenmangu the god of exams is within walking distance

Cheer the longdistance relay race in front of the inn

Spring Hirano Shrine famous for its cherry blossoms is a 5minute walk away

The shuttle bus starts from Haratanien where a hundred flowers bloom

Summer Right n

Ohara/Kibune/Kurama
Kyoto
| 0.62km from city center

The 1 min from bus stop, base for tourism in Kyoto provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. The 1 min from bus stop, base for tourism in Kyoto is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Kyoto.

The hotel is only 900m from Kitano Hakubai-Cho Station and 53km from Osaka Itami Airport, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings.

Nishijin
Kyoto
| 0.82km from city center

This vacation rental which was formerly a weaver house is situated in Nishijin which is one of Kyoto's oldest and most traditional quarter.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
World Heritage Site

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

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Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji: Frequently Asked Questions

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