Historical
Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion Kyoto
Abby RodriguezGingaku-ji lies at the foot of the Eastern Mountain (Higashiyama). It's founder, Ashigaka Yoshimasa intended to spend most of..
Ginkakuji
The Ginkakuji, also known as the“ Silver Pavilion ”, is a Buddhist Zen temple in the Higashiyama area in northeastern Kyoto. The surrounding gardens from the Edo period were designated a special historical site in 1952, and UNESCO took the Ginkakuji together with others Buildings in 1994 in the World Heritage Site Historic Kyoto.
Construction of the complex began in 1482 and was intended to be the retirement home of the then shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. However, it was not completed until his death, so it was converted into a temple according to his request. Two buildings have been preserved in their origins, of which the Kannon den is the symbol of the temple and is usually called the "Silver Pavilion", while the Togu-do contains one of the oldest rooms for the tea ceremony. The complex is also known for its moss garden and the extraordinary sand garden known as the “lake of silver sand”.
In contrast to the “Golden Pavilion”, the Ginkakuji is not covered with silver. The name probably came from the similar architecture of the two buildings.
Overview
Address
2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto (Map) (Directions)Hours
8:30 - 17:00 Open NowOpening Hours
Monday
8:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
8:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
8:30 - 17:00
Thursday
8:30 - 17:00
Friday
8:30 - 17:00
Saturday
8:30 - 17:00
Sunday
8:30 - 17:00
Holidays
8:30 - 17:00
Phone Number
075-771-5725Website
General Amenities
- Information Counter
What's unique
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Access
30-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Railway
5-minute walk from City Bus Stop Ginkakuji-mae
Related Articles
6 articles
10
Activities
The Zen & Moss Gardens of Ginkakuji
Ariane MignaultThe Silver Pavilion was built in 1482 and offers visitors a nice relaxing activity inside the busy city.
10
Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Stefanus HusinGinkakuji Temple is also known as the “Silver Pavilion”. However the actual building is not clad in silver! They are other tem..
Culture
Kyoto Ginkaku-ji Temple
Tomoko KamishimaKyoto's Ginkaku: Long ago, the outer walls of the second level were painted pure white, and colorful honeycomb patterns, horizontal..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Ginkakuji
Near Ginkakuji
Accommodation
Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto
Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto enchants us with a tranquil atmosphere.
Accommodation
Westin Miyako Hotel Resort Kyoto
Perched on the hills of Higashiyama, relax in this retreat of calm and comfort amongst a beautiful Japanese garden
Accommodation
Westin Miyako Kyoto
This fully renovated hotel escorts guests into one of the most luxurious Kyoto experiences ever. Not only Kyoto locals, but Japanese..
Cafe
Sweets and Green Tea at Yojiya Cafe
The Yojiya Café at Ginkakuji is one you must visit in Kyoto to enjoy the atmosphere and try their array of drinks and sweets.
Cafe
Yojiya Cafe ชิมขนม ชมสวน จิบชาเขียว
Yojiya Cafe สาขาที่ควรเข้ามาสัมผัสบรรยากาศและลิ้มลองรสชาติของขนมพร้อมเครื่องดื่มเป็นที่สุด
Food
Kyoto Uzuki Cookery Class
Emi's cooking class, like the crescendo in a movie soundtrack, takes on a life of its own at the Kyoto Uzuki Cooking Class.
Activities
Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher's Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a pedestrian path following a canal lined by cherry trees between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen..
Culture
Shinnyodo Temple
Shinshōgokuraku-ji or Shinnyo-dō is a Buddhist Tendai temple in Kyoto. It was established in 984 AD by Kaisan Shonin. In its name, gokuraku means Su..
Culture
Eikando Temple
Eikando Temple (永観堂), formerly known as Zenrin-ji temple, was established in 853 and is the head temple for the Seizan branch of Japan's Jōdo..