Ginkaku-ji: The Silver Pavilion

Explore Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion): A serene Zen temple in Kyoto with exquisite gardens, embodying the essence of Japanese aesthetics and culture.

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Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, famed for its elegant gardens and representing the Higashiyama Culture. Originally built in 1482 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it was converted into a temple after his death. The temple embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection.

A brief summary to Higashiyama Jisho-ji

2 Ginkakujicho, Kyoto, Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, JP
+8175-771-5725
Visit website

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on the temple grounds.
Take your time to appreciate the details of the gardens, including the moss garden and the sand garden.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the Philosopher's Path, which leads to Ginkaku-ji from Nanzen-ji Temple.
Keep your admission ticket, as it serves as a good luck charm for good fortune and family safety.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take city bus number 5 or 17 directly to the Ginkakuji-michi bus stop. The ride takes approximately 35-40 minutes and costs 230 yen. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the temple entrance.
Walking

If you are near Nanzen-ji Temple, you can walk to Ginkaku-ji along the Philosopher's Path, a scenic route that takes about 30-45 minutes. From the end of the Philosopher's Path, continue a short distance to Ginkaku-ji.
Taxi

A taxi from Kyoto Station to Ginkaku-ji takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately 3000-3700 yen. Tell the driver "Ginkaku-ji" or provide the address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.

Discover more about Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Higashiyama Jisho-ji, better known as Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), is a Zen temple nestled in Kyoto's eastern mountains. In 1482, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, inspired by his grandfather's Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), began constructing his retirement villa here. After Yoshimasa's death in 1490, the villa was converted into a Zen temple. Unlike the Golden Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji was never covered in silver. Some believe the name arose later to contrast it with the Golden Pavilion, or that moonlight reflecting off its dark exterior gave it a silvery appearance. Ginkaku-ji became a center for contemporary culture, known as Higashiyama Culture, influencing tea ceremonies, flower arranging, Noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture. The temple complex includes the Silver Pavilion, other temple buildings, a moss garden, and a unique dry sand garden. The two-story Silver Pavilion (Kannonden Hall) blends Japanese and Chinese architectural styles and houses a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, though the interior is not open to the public. The grounds feature the Togudo, containing a study room considered the oldest extant example of Shoin architecture. Ginkaku-ji's gardens, attributed to Sōami, exemplify Zen Buddhism and wabi-sabi. The "Sea of Silver Sand," a dry sand garden, features a large sand cone called the "Moon Viewing Platform". The meticulously raked white sand symbolizes ripples on the ocean, while the sand cone is said to represent Mount Fuji. The moss garden has ponds, islands, bridges, and diverse plants. A path leads up a hill offering views of the temple grounds and Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji embodies Zen principles with its minimalist aesthetics and serene gardens that encourage meditation and reflection.

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The Flower Corridor

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Ginkaku-ji: The Silver Pavilion

A brief summary to Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi

Unlock the Best of Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Eikan-dō Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple

Heian-jingū Shrine

Heian Jingu

TOURS IN KYOTO

ROHM Theatre Kyoto

Kamogawa Delta

Stepping Stones at Kojin

NINJA VR KYOTO

Chion-in Temple

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Maruyama Park

Sanjo Ohashi

The Flower Corridor

Unmissable attractions to see

Philosopher's Path

Hōnenin

Hōnenin Temple

Hakusa Sonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum

Ōtoyo Shrine

Kōun-ji Temple

Yoshida Shrine

Konkai Kōmyō-ji Temple

Okazaki Shrine

Eikandō Temple

Mount Daimonji

Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple

Konpuku-ji

Shrine Garden Middle

Nanzen-ji

Essential places to dine

Monk

Cenci

Arash's Kitchen

Kakyo

Nananoichi

Omi-ya

LURRA°

Tan

Kichisen

Nakaso Tango

Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura

Ajikyu

Sakuragawa

MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar

Arancino Kyoto

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Kyoto Handicraft Center

Ki-Yan Stuzio Gion Ishidan-shita Shop

Daikichi

パゴン祇園店 -Pagong (Japanese Design Clothing)

Kurochiku

fine antique

Ayanokoji Gion

Media Shop

Kyo Sakura

Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade

D_MALL京都

Souvenir Kyoto

Maicoto

MoMA Design Store Kyoto

Kyoto LOFT

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bar K6

feel京good

Lounge & Bar 1867 (ダーワ・悠洛 京都 by バンヤン・グループ)

Lounge & Bar 1867 (ダーワ・悠洛京都 by バンヤン・グループ)