Nestled between the Eastern hills of Kyoto and Biwako Canal is a temple named Honkokuji. It is not large or famous, it is never busy, nor is it very old. The first time I visited, almost ten years ago, there was so much gold - the gate guardians, roof decorations, lanterns, the bell, a small tori and a fabulous dragon. It seemed very flashy and unusual. (Recently they toned things down, and only the dragon is still gold.) For some reason Honkokuji appeals to me, and I have visited it in every season, and taken many photos. I love crossing the red bridge, and rounding the curve in the road to catch the first glimpse of the red gate. I like atmosphere of the place, and I really love the gold dragon!
- 1 min read
Honkokuji Temple in Kyoto
Temple of the golden dragon

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

An impressive golden dragon coils around a large stone lantern. Water spouts from his mouth into a basin below. I was told that if you wash money in the water, it will increase

This man was washing coins, but I saw other people washing 10,000 yen notes and even a Lotto ticket!

To reach Honkokuji Temple you must cross this bridge over Biwako Canal, a waterway carrying Kyoto's water supply from lake Biwa

Honkokuji has two gates. The first is painted red

Honkokuji's second gate has frightening guardians on either side of it. They used to be all gleaming gold, but last time I visited they had been painted

A gold lantern in the second gate

Honkokuji on a snowy day

A statue of a serene-faced monk overlooks the temple grounds

Carved wooden 'elephant' under the temple eaves

I wonder what these beautiful doors conceal?

Honkokuji's graceful bell tower

Cherry blossom beside the bridge in springtime
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Head Spas in Japan
Beauty & Spa -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Transit Guide: JR Kansai Area Pass
Transportation -
4
Yakiniku Inoue Ginza
Tokyo -
5
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
6
Awaji Island: A Hidden Gem in the Seto Inland Sea
Hyogo - Sponsored -
7
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
8
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
9
Japanese Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide
Culture -
10
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto