Kinkaukuji is a popular name for one of the main buildings of the temple, which is properly called Rokuon-ji temple. In the 1220s it was the comfortable villa of Kintsune Saionji.
Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of Ashikaga, abdicated the throne in 1394. After three years, he befgan to build Kitayamaden and the made a special effort to make it a breathtaking sight. He indulged in his peaceful life in the scerene setting. After Yoshimitsu's death Kitayamaden was made into a Zen temple in accordance with his will. All of the buildings of those days have come to ruin with the exception of the main Kinkakuji temple (which has been rebuilt several times). the garden, however remains as it was in former days and can be enjoyed as it was hundreds of years ago.
Rokuonji Temple (Kinkakuji) was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994.