Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji Temple
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this Zen temple was supposed to have been finished in a coat of silver. Although this step never occurred, the temple is still known by the name Silver Pavilion.
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- Everywhere is on the list…Amsterdam, The Netherlands851 contributionsSilver PavilionBeautiful pavilion in stunning gardens. Perfectly maintained and you feel the peace and zen as you enter. The opportunity to walk around and climb the hill to see stunning views of Kyoto. Picturesque and tranquil. Worth a visitVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Jeff KPittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,353 contributionsBeautiful GardensThe Pavillion isn’t particularly noteworthy, especially in comparison to the Gold Pavilion. The gardens, however, are outstanding. They are both beautiful and extensive. We went on a rainy day. The rain wasn’t a problem but the hundreds of umbrellas were a real nuisance and a potential hazard to your eyes. Highly recommended in good weather.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 24, 2024
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,175 contributionsCombine Kyoto's Silver Pavilion with a Charming WalkThe Silver Pavilion itself might not be as impressive as the Golden Temple, but its surrounding garden is far more enjoyable than the temple garden. So, it's definitely worth a visit if you have time in Kyoto. About 2-300 meters from the Silver Pavilion, there's a delightful 2 km stroll along a small canal called Philosopher’s Path. It's highly recommended as an added bonus to your pavilion visit.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 15, 2024
- chowsoGloucester, United Kingdom1,758 contributionsReally beautiful and sereneI really enjoyed this temple - it was quiet, beautiful and immaculately maintained. The Zen garden was one of the most impressive we saw with the mound of gravel in the shape of Mount Fuji. The reflections of the pavillion in the water were really lovely. Well worth a visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2024
- LVVTakatsuki, Japan63 contributionsHighlightOne of the most special places in Kyoto. The garden is breathtaking. If you follow the route through the garden you will also have some great views over the city. It's amazing to see the modern buildings around this temple, where it feels like time has stood still.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 8, 2024
- What We Found TravellingSydney, Australia6,738 contributionsTranquil SettingThe Silver Pavilion is a beautiful simple traditional Japanese timber structure in a tranquil setting. Well worth the $4AUD entry fee for a walk through the moss covered grounds, around the ponds and the interesting dry-sand garden. It is however packed with tourists so I highly recommend a visit first up at 9am upon opening and you will find time to chill out. At the top of the circular route there’s nice views of the zen Ginkakuji precinct & Kyoto town. Also, you get to see the silver rooster perched on top of the Silver Pavilion. Wear good footwear as there are plenty of slippery stone stairs to encounter along the way. Definitely worth a visit.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- annette mNewcastle, Australia187 contributionsNo words to describe the beautyWe stayed in central Kyoto and got a train to the nearest station Kitaoji and caught a taxi to the site. It is very crowded, but as you walk only one way, it makes it much easier to walk with the flow. We were there in autumn and it was just outstanding the vistas and the gardens. Recommend getting there early before the crowds. It takes a good couple of hours to meander around the site and perhaps buy a few souvenires on the way out. 100% a site to see.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten June 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
4,673 reviews
Excellent
2,463
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1,658
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473
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57
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22
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Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany7,182 contributions
Dec 2019
This beautiful temple probably is spectacular all year round, but when we visited it around this time last year, it was bursting with all the colors of fall, making it a sight straight out of a Manga movie. I still vividly recall the sloapy terrain filled beautiful trees, bushes and other greens, making it a true masterpiece of gardening design. What I love particularly about the Japanese style is that you do see the effort and intention that went into designing the outlines of temples gardens just like this one, but it never feels sterile or artificial. Clever people, these Japanese.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bariatricrunner
Seattle, WA239 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the Silver Temple. It was build by the brother of the person who build the Golden Temple. The gardens and ponds are just magical and the climb to the top of the mountain provide excellent views of Kyoto City. Must visit.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2CAtravelers
Brattleboro, VT835 contributions
Apr 2023
We stopped here despite the pouring rain. There is an entrance fee. The grounds are quite beautiful and you even can walk up a path of the side of the adjacent hill and find a wonderful overview of the pavilion and Kyoto. The gardens are meticulously manicured and quite lush. There can be limited access inside the pavilion if you join a small group. There is a gift shop and public rest rooms. The walk back down to the main street is lined with various tourist shops and eateries. A nice visit overall.
Written June 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanuckJames
Nishinomiya, Japan1,758 contributions
Nov 2022
If you see Kinkakuji Temple then you need to see Ginkakuji Temple to appreciate the contrast and difference of philosophies exhibited within the family that built both.
We were fortunate to have a local guide explain the differences and explanations of the sand placement, and moonlight and why it ended up being called Silver Pavillion.
While the temple itself is quite austere by comparison, the picturesque little walk within the temple walls was worth it.
We came during the off-season, with relatively fewer tourists than usual. This also made our visit even more enjoyable.
We were fortunate to have a local guide explain the differences and explanations of the sand placement, and moonlight and why it ended up being called Silver Pavillion.
While the temple itself is quite austere by comparison, the picturesque little walk within the temple walls was worth it.
We came during the off-season, with relatively fewer tourists than usual. This also made our visit even more enjoyable.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caff_H
England, UK127 contributions
Feb 2020
Whilst the temple may not be as stunning as the Golden Temple, the grounds are sublime with Zen landscaping and oozing serenity. You can walk here along the Path of Philosophy... some cherry blossom was just starting to show when I was there last week and I can only imagine how stunning the area looks at the height of the season. There are a few tourist shops and snack bars up the hill to the temple gate (500 Yen) in case you need to grab a drink etc. Towards the end of the garden walk you are able to visit a small gift shop for any souvenirs.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piotr S
Krakow, Poland236 contributions
Mar 2020
Ginkakuji is similiar in the first view to more famous Kinkauji (except gold on the walls) but is it worse? Denfinitely not! This place is peaceful, contemplative and somehow more magical than its more famous "brother". I hade a luck to be there when not so many tourists visited this place, so had enough time to be there almost alone with this great part of Japanese history. Surrounding, partially wild garden is also very impressive and You can feel as in the old Japan.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnandlizb
Leamington Spa, UK989 contributions
Feb 2020
This was one of the nicest places we visited during out time in Japan. It was immaculately kept, beautifully designed and peaceful despite being quite busy. The path climbs to the top of the hill and the view over the city from the top is lovely. It is quite small, so take the walk slowly or it will be over too soon.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magnificent Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka73 contributions
Sept 2019
The garden of Silver Temple was landscaped with ponds, bridges, little streams, and various plants. We enjoyed the peaceful and beautiful nature around the garden while strolling through the pathway to the top of the hill. It gave a stunning view of the temple, as well as surrounding Kyoto city.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom H
Santa Cruz, CA403 contributions
Apr 2023
Ginkakuji is the silver pavilion and marks the far end of the Philosopher’s Walk. There is a long approach to the temple along a narrow street with shops and restaurants on both sides. I found the pavilion to be interesting but the highlight is the gardens. Walking along the prescribed route one first walks through some pretty unique sand sculptures to marvel at. Then you walk through a more traditional garden with various features, including small waterfalls, until you get to the top where there is a viewing area to look down at the garden as well as Kjoto in general. We decided to take a different route back to our hotel, which was near the Heian Shrine, so once we walked out to the main street, we proceeded uphill for 50 yards until we came to a stream heading downhill. We mostly followed this stream until we wound up at the zoo and found our way home. Very pleasant walk in quiet neighborhoods. Ginkakuji is a real treat so pace yourself on the Philosopher’s Walk so you have just enough energy to enjoy it.
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco T
Florence, Italy1,927 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Let's be honest: by visiting temples in Kyoto you run the risk of confusing one with the other after a few days. There are many and almost all deserving of a decidedly positive evaluation. The additional problem is that, when you visit the northern Higashiyama area, you really encounter a considerable amount of them, and to remember their characteristics you need, if you don't immediately write a review immediately, to concentrate and make an effort of memory. Having said all this, this complex stands out for the peculiarity of having been born as a villa - and annexes - of a shogun, and of having been transformed into a temple only in a later period. Visiting it you can easily realize this, due to the presence of a beautiful tea room and a magnificent garden with a small lake, the parts of which are connected by walkways. A show. Unfortunately, as happens in many other places in the city, it is often a little compromised by the excessive crowds of visitors. But how can one fully criticize this fact if one is part of the unwelcome phenomenon?
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be in the Ginkakuji Temple / Philosopher's Path area till after sunset (after 4.45 p.m.) in late November. I plan to either proceed to Hanamikoji Dori (in the hope of catching sight of maiko or geisha) or return to Kyoto Station.
1. Which bus should I take to go to Hanamikoji Dori and from which bus stop?
2. Which bus should I take to return to Kyoto Station and from which bus stop?
3. What time does the Raku bus stop running?
Thanks in advance.
Written November 18, 2018
Hello. I cannot tell you which bus to take. But if you use google maps, or any other app of the kind, you will have directions on how to travel. It is not difficult to move around Kyoto. There are plenty of buses.
Enjoy your trip!
Written November 21, 2018
Si ma andate al mattino almeno siete sicuri .. il pomeriggio chiude presto
Written April 20, 2018
Hi Mark,
Is the temple easy to access by public transport? I want to do Nanzen ji to Ginkaku Ji via the Philosophers path (or the other way around) and I am trying to work out which would be the ideal destination to leave from to get back to town.
Written March 26, 2018
Hi Andy, the temple is very easy access by public transport. We took bus from Kyoto Station, the only compliant we have is the bus journey is a bit too long. But if you have time, it is also a way to see different parts of Kyoto. Along the bus ride there are other temples and places of interest that you may want to explore. You will alight before the junction of Philosopher's path, walk towards the temple. You can go to the visitor centre at Kyoto Station to request for a map and buy the tourist day ticket of Yen500/pax for one day travel. Otherwise, just pay Yen230/pax flat fare for every bus ride. After the temple, you can walk via Philosophers path to the main road to take a bus back to Kyoto Station. The bus number is indicated at the bus stop.
Written March 26, 2018
I am planning on walking north and end my walk at Ginkakuji. what bus do I take to get back to Kyoto station? most scenic and quickest?
Written March 26, 2017
Jacqui, the best that we did when we were in Ginkakuji last year was to head southward along the stone paved path --the Philosopher's path for a refreshing walk. Another 2 minutes from the path is the Ginkakujimae bus stop; take the Raku 100 (about 15 stops and 230 yen), followed by a 5 minutes walk to the station. We visited a couple of other temples along the Philosopher's path. Amazing indeed. A must visit place for omen---Myoudai Omen Ginkakuji Honten close by.
Written March 27, 2017
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