Of all the Zen gardens we visited in Kyoto, this was our favorite. Here molded sand takes the place of the raked gravel found in so many other gardens, and since the garden is on a steep incline the path offers interesting views. The silver pavilion itself is a little jewel, smaller than we had imagined. And as an added... More

If you're expecting a gleaming silver pavilion to match Kinkakuji, then prepare to be disappointed. The real treasure here is the garden which I just loved. There is a formal raked garden with a moon viewing mound, and then a green garden with flowering shrubs and paths leading up the hillside to various viewpoints. The temple buildings are beautiful wooden... More

The zen garden leading to the temple surrounded by the formal stroll garden was very relaxing and beautiful. This temple also has a nice trail up the hill with good views back. Relaxing and beautiful site

Unlike kinkaku-ji the temple isn't made of precious metal.It was made of wood.Honestly the building is not spectacular but the overall view is boosted by the beautiful garden.

Look in the Kyoto Lonely Planet guides for walks to the Pavilion. There's a really nice walk that starts south of the Pavilion. You need to take the subway to Keage where the walk starts.

I wouldn't have missed much if I had skipped this. The temple itself, well it's nice but once you've seen kinkakuji it can't compare. The gardens are pretty n there's a sand portion with lines raked in it but I wouldn't have missed much if I skipped it. Perhaps too 'templed out' by Kyoto ;-p

Every time I go to Kyoto I take the bus and walk up the main street to Ginkaku-ji. There is a small fee and if your timing is right you will not arrive with the regular tour buses. The site is way too crowded them. The dry garden is stunning although many people find the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) to be... More

My favorite temple in Kyoto - maybe in Japan. The garden is absolutely beautiful, clean, and the place is very peaceful. Come here during autumn when the leaves change colors, too pretty. Just too pretty.

While called the silver pavilion, there's nothing silver there. However the raked gravel garden at the entrance was quite impressive and you get a good view of the city as you walk up