What other travelers are saying about Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Visiting Ginkaku-ji was an unforgettable experience. The temple is absolutely beautiful, with its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere. The gardens are breathtaking—perfectly designed with moss, pine trees, and the famous sand garden that creates such a peaceful and harmonious setting.
Walking along the paths felt like stepping into a living painting. Every corner offered a new perspective of natural beauty and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The view from the hillside was especially stunning, giving a panoramic glimpse of Kyoto framed by nature.
Ginkaku-ji is not just a historical site; it’s a place where you can truly feel tranquility and harmony. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the timeless beauty of Japan. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.
Unlike kinkaku-ji and the name suggesting, the building is not covered in silver, but rather used to shine a silver shine in the moon light.
The garden is amazing with a lot of sculptures and patterns drawn in the sand. As well as much greenery and rocky formations!
It is however also greatly touristed, so expect to be in a mass of people with not much space to move around and many tourists wanting their perfect picture..
One of the top temples to see while in Kyoto! There is a small trail that goes up the hill providing an aerial view of the complex. Not stroller or wheelchair friendly but this section can be skipped!
Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto was a real highlight. The temple itself has a quiet, understated elegance, but it’s the gardens that truly stand out. The moss garden is beautifully kept, with winding paths that feel almost otherworldly, and the carefully raked sand garden is stunning in its simplicity.
The walk around the grounds was just as impressive — every turn seemed to reveal a new perspective, from serene ponds to views over Kyoto framed by trees. It’s the kind of place that feels both peaceful and inspiring, where you could happily linger for hours just taking it all in.
There are many historical temples and places around Japan and some of them maybe bigger and cooler. Ginkaku-ji feels quite different, everything is so clean and in place, it feels like out of video game or an art. You feel calmness and perfectness looking at the garden, stairs and trees. I give compliments to their gardeners.
P.S. I would recommend trying machcha ice cream just outside of the Temple.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
