Who built Ginkaku-ji?

In 1482, the renowned Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa established the Ginkaku-ji Temple as his retreat for his retirement, inspired by his grandfather's Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. This serene complex mirrors the architectural essence of the Golden Pavilion and is situated in the tranquil northern foothills of Kyoto, near the Kitayama mountains.

Why is Ginkaku-ji not silver?

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Silver Pavilion, or Ginkaku-ji, lacks any actual silver adornment. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa intended to encase the pavilion in silver foil, a plan that ultimately needed to be realized.

When was Ginkaku-ji built?

Initially established in the 15th century CE, the tranquil Ginkaku-ji Temple, formally known as Jisho-ji and popularly dubbed 'The Serene Temple of the Silver Pavilion', resides in Kyoto.

How long do you need to spend at Ginkaku-ji?

For those inclined to wander through briskly, snapping pictures without pausing for too long, 20-30 minutes should suffice. Conversely, if you're keen on thoroughly canvassing the entire vicinity, pausing to absorb the vistas and ambiance, setting aside an hour would be more suitable to embrace the experience fully.

Can you go inside Ginkaku-ji?

Under normal circumstances, visitors are granted access solely to the gardens. However, during special seasonal openings in the spring and autumn, the public is also allowed into the Togudo, Hojo (Abbot's Quarters), and Roseitei. It should be noted that the Kannonden (pavilion) always remains closed to visitors.

A traditional Japanese wooden building stands beside a tranquil pond, surrounded by vibrant red and orange autumn foliage, under a colorful sky at dusk.

A traditional Japanese pavilion with a curved roof is partially hidden among lush green trees and foliage, with sunlight filtering through the leaves in a peaceful garden setting.

A Japanese Zen garden with manicured trees, raked gravel, a conical sand mound, and a traditional wooden pavilion. Several people are walking and taking photos under a partly cloudy sky.

A traditional Japanese wooden pavilion stands by a peaceful pond, surrounded by lush trees and colorful autumn foliage, with clear blue sky reflected in the water.

An older woman with short gray hair and sunglasses stands in front of a traditional Japanese wooden building surrounded by trees and a pond in a tranquil garden setting.

Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

4.5 (16749)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in Kyoto. Built-in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, a shogun from the Muromachi period, it was intended as a retirement villa. Despite the name, the pavilion is not silver. The name originated from a plan to cover the structure in silver foil, a plan that was never realized.

The temple complex includes the Silver Pavilion, gardens, and other buildings. The pavilion itself is a two-story structure, with the upper floor designed in the style of a Chinese temple. The gardens are a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. The dry sand garden, known as the "Sea of Silver Sand," is meticulously raked to represent waves, and the sand mound called the "Moon Viewing Platform" is a focal point.

The moss garden features a pond, islands, bridges, and streams, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Ginkaku-ji played a crucial role in the development of the Higashiyama culture, which influenced tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), Noh theater, and garden design.

Today, Ginkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors who appreciate its historical significance and tranquil beauty. The temple is a testament to the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity and imperfection.

Hours:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Summer)

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Winter)

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

500 yen for (Adults)

300 yen for (Children up to junior high school age)

Hours

Sunday: 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

Phone

+81 75-771-5725

Website

www.shokoku-ji.jp

The area

Address

2 Ginkakujichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 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

What other travelers are saying about Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) is a beautiful and serene temple, perfect for a calm walk surrounded by nature. The gardens are meticulously designed, and the combination of sand, moss, trees, and pathways makes the visit very peaceful. Getting there isn’t very easy by public transportation, so I arrived by Uber, which was very convenient. I visited in December around 10:00 am, and there were not many people, making the experience even more enjoyable. After exiting the temple, there’s a street lined with food stalls and souvenir shops that’s definitely worth exploring. It’s a nice way to extend the visit and take a relaxed walk afterward. Even though the pavilion itself is simple, the overall atmosphere and gardens make this place absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy traditional Japanese gardens and a slower pace.

reggiis

Dec 29, 2025

Beautiful temple that is a little bit hidden from the city, kind of on the side, which means that it is not wall to wall with modern buildings. There is some kind of peace in the temple, it is quiet, you don't here cars or noise from the city. Beautiful garden with those amazing specially made gardens with sand and rocks which are racked in a specific way. There are fish in ponds which makes children love this temple. Like in almost all museum, temples or tourist attractions, there are toilets available which are clean, they are situated close to the exit and gift shop.

Beautiful temple ground and garden which is relatively flat. But as you goes deeper there will be stairs and hilly slopes to get to the observation point where you can see Kyoto city. As I visited during the weekdays therefore the crowd were tolerable, so it is easy to walk and take photos.

This temple is a gem. It is truly remarkable, beautiful, and inspiring. It is also near many other temples, so it is possible to go to various temples in the area. This one is excellent. The gardens are beautiful, to the point of being almost impossible to stop taking pictures. I feel like that is a reaction to wanting to soak it all in and keep it forever, and many fellow travelers were doing the same. It was raining some when I went and that honestly added to the atmosphere. The temple was very popular and there were many people out and about, but this did not impact my visit much. I would highly recommend a visit to this temple if you are in Kyoto.

Nestled in the quiet eastern foothills of Kyoto, Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, stands as one of Japan’s most treasured temples—an embodiment of wabi-sabi, the beauty of simplicity, impermanence, and understated elegance. Unlike its gilded counterpart Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji was never meant to shine with metallic splendour; instead, its charm lies in its quiet grace, weathered wooden textures, and the gentle way it integrates with nature. Visitors often find themselves captivated not only by the pavilion itself but by the mesmerising clear pond that sits at its heart, known as the Kyōko-chi or “Mirror Pond.” Here, the stillness of the water forms a natural mirror that reflects the Silver Pavilion, surrounding pine trees, and shifting Kyoto sky. In moments of perfect calm, the pond creates the illusion of a floating temple—symbolising clarity of mind, serenity, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The beautifully landscaped garden, with its mossy paths, sculpted sand formations, guides visitors towards this pond as a meditative focal point. Ginkakuji continues to remind us that true beauty lies not in extravagance, but in stillness, reflection, and inner peace.