What other travelers are saying about Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mid-November for autumn foliage and spring for cherry blossoms are peak seasons. Early morning on weekdays offers fewer crowds.
No. Visitors follow a designated path that circles the grounds, viewing the pavilion and other structures from outside only.
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to one hour that covers the complete walking circuit through both gardens. Add 30 to 45 minutes if walking the adjacent Philosopher's Path.
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the gardens and grounds. Tripods may be restricted during crowded periods. Flash photography and commercial filming require special permission.
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.
