Ginkakuji - Kyoto

Located at 2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyu-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Ginkakuji (銀閣寺) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kyoto City.

Ginkakuji (銀閣寺)

Ginkakuji History

Famously called Silver Pavilion, Ginkakuji is a Zen temple located near the eastern mountains of Kyoto. It was built in 1482 originally to serve as the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth Muromachi Shogunate. It was modeled after Kinkakuji (Temple)  or the Golden Pavilion which was his grandfather's retirement villa. Like Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji was also converted into a Zen temple after the death of Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1490.

Ashikaga Yoshimasa

Ashikaga Yoshimasa was known as a lover of art. During his stay in Ginkakuji, he made it the center of the contemporary culture known as Higashiyama Culture. This kind of culture developed and refined how the Japanese do the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture. 

Ginkakuji - Kyoto City

The Silver Pavilion as seen from across the pond

The unique pile of sand that resembles Mt. Fuji

Ginkakuji's famed Silver Pavilion

Follow this scenic path to explore the temple grounds

Check out the small pond with all those coins

Talking about art, architecture, and garden designs, you can see all of these in the temple at present. The most famous structure in Ginkakuji is the picturesque pavilion. Near the pavilion is the pond which once reflected on the lacquer finish of the temple creating the illusion of its silver appearance. Aside from the temple's famous pavilion, Ginkakuji also has a beautiful garden that was supposedly designed by the great landscape artist Soami. The garden is famous for the unique pile of sand which is said to symbolize Mount Fuji. Aside from that, one would also notice that some parts of the temple grounds are covered by a variety of mosses which on the other hand creates the illusion of a green sea. 

Ginkakuji's Kuri

Ginkakuji Hojo/ Hondo

Ginkakuji's moss-covered garden

Ginkakuji was extensively restored in 2008. During the restoration, it was decided that the temple won't be covered by a silver foil as originally planned by Yoshimasa but will be maintained as is like when Yoshimasa last saw it. 

Pathway leading up to the viewing area

I got to visit Ginkakuji Temple during our 7th day in Japan. Although I was with my wife and daughter at that time, it was only I who went in and explored the temple complex. What I like about Ginkakuji is the walkway that leads up to a hill/observatory. Upon following it, one would have several vantage points of the temple complex. I also love how the moss-covered the forest around the temple which made it look like green snow or a green sea. Before I left, I made sure to get a goshuin for my collection.

Overall, Ginkakuji is a perfect destination for those who love art. The aesthetic beauty of the temple and its surroundings is truly a must-see.

The pavilion as seen from the pathway up the hill

The entrance to the temple grounds

Ginkakuji Admission Fee:

To enter Ginkakuji grounds, you have to pay 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children.

Entrance fee Y500 for adults, Y300 for kids

Ginkakuji goshuin

Ginkakuji Opening Hours

Ginkakuji is open from 8:30AM to 5PM every day.

Why visit Ginkakuji?

Ginkakuji is another must-visit destination in Kyoto City. A visit to the temple grounds offers visitors to experience what is dubbed as Wabi-Sabi or the concept of accepting and seeing the beauty if what is perceived as imperfect or incomplete.  

Getting to Ginkakuji:

From Kyoto Station, ride bus number 5,7 or 100 which goes directly to the temple. The one-way trip takes around 35-40 minutes and costs 230 yen. If you want a memorable way of reaching it, you can walk and follow the Philosopher's Path from Nanzenji it's perfect during spring. 

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