Ginkaku-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥500

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

A Zen temple famed for its elegant Silver Pavilion and meticulously raked sand garden reflecting moonlight.

Ginkaku-ji, officially known as Jisho-ji, was built in 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a retirement villa and later converted into a Zen temple. Despite its name, the Silver Pavilion was never actually coated in silver, unlike its golden counterpart Kinkaku-ji. The grounds have the Ginshadan sand garden, a large cone of raked sand called Kogetsudai said to reflect moonlight, and a beautifully landscaped moss garden with a pond. The temple sits at the northern end of the Philosopher's Path, one of Kyoto's most beloved walking routes, making it an ideal starting or ending point for exploring Higashiyama.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining on temple grounds. Numerous cafes and restaurants along the approach street and Philosopher's Path.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't the Silver Pavilion actually silver?

Despite its name, Ginkaku-ji was never covered in silver. The traditional account holds that shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa died before completing his planned silver-leaf decoration; some historians believe silver was never intended and the 'silver' nickname came later as a counterpoint to the golden Kinkaku-ji. The weathered wood embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic that defines much of Japanese beauty.

How do I combine Ginkaku-ji with the Philosopher's Path?

Start at Ginkaku-ji in the morning (opens 8:30 AM), then walk south along the Philosopher's Path (2 km, 30–45 minutes) ending at Nanzen-ji or Eikan-do. Bus #5 from Kyoto Station drops you at Ginkakuji-michi. The path is famous for cherry blossoms in early April and maple foliage in mid-November. Return via the subway from Keage Station after Nanzen-ji.

Is Ginkaku-ji less crowded than Kinkaku-ji?

Generally yes. Ginkaku-ji attracts fewer tour groups and the experience feels more contemplative. Early mornings (first hour after the 8:30 opening) and late afternoons are quietest. Unlike Kinkaku-ji's single photo spot, Ginkaku-ji has a walking circuit through moss gardens, sand cones (Ginshadan and Kogetsudai), and hillside paths that naturally disperses visitors.

What's the entry fee and what's included?

Adult admission is 500 yen, junior-high and elementary 300 yen. The ticket is a calligraphic paper amulet you can keep. The fee includes the famous sand garden with the Ginshadan and Kogetsudai cones, the moss-covered Hashintei garden, and the wooded uphill path with views of the Silver Pavilion and Kyoto rooftops. Special interior viewings of the Pavilion run on a few days each year — check the official site for dates.