Ginkakuji
Religious spot
Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a beautiful Zen temple located in the eastern mountains of Kyoto. Originally, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built it as a retirement villa, but later it became a Buddhist temple after Yoshimasa's death. When you visit Ginkakuji, you can check out its amazing Japanese garden. It has an interesting dry sand garden with a massive sand cone that looks like Mount Fuji. There's also a moss-covered garden with a path that lets you enjoy peaceful views and carefully designed landscapes. But that's not all! Don't forget to climb up to the moon-viewing platform. From there, you'll get breathtaking views of the temple grounds and the surrounding mountains. As a must-see temple, Ginkakuji gives you a fascinating look at Kyoto's Zen traditions. Plus, it's close to the Philosopher’s Path, making it easy to continue exploring Kyoto’s beautiful temple buildings and gardens.
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Ginkakuji, Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8402, Japan
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The best of Ginkakuji
Bucket-list experiences
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Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, and Kinkakuji Temple Half Day Tour
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Bamboo Artistry & Zen Serenity Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto
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Kyoto Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
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Kiyomizu Temple Fushimi Inari Shrine Nara Park from Osaka/Kyoto
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Kyoto World Heritage & Uji Scenery One-day Tour (From Osaka/Kyoto)
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Kimono Rental Experience in Kyoto by KANWA Yasaka Shrine Branch
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Kimono Rental Experience by Wakana Kimono in Kyoto
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Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour丨Osaka/Kyoto
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Kyoto Kimono Rental by Ookini Kimono Rental Yasaka Shrine Gion Store
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Kiyomizudera Temple Kimono Rental Experience by Rental Kimono First
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Kyoto Gion Night Walk Small Group Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hour
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Make it a getaway
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M’s Hotel Sanjo Wakoku
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Rinn Shirakawa South
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SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
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Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi
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THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
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Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo
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Minn Sanjo
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Minn Gion
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Dhawa Yura Kyoto
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Hilton Kyoto
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Trouble-free transport
Randen Pass
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Kyoto car rentals | Choose from multiple car models
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Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass
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Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
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Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
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All that's good & tasty
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Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto
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Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist
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Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
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Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion
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Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto
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Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki
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Hamatoku (濱登久) in Kyoto - Creative Kaiseki
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More to explore
Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)
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Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto
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Why people love Ginkakuji
Kara *************
3 Nov
our guide joanne was very friendly and accommodating.she was very knowledgeable on the history of the spots that we visited.
2+
Mehjabeen ***********
3 Nov
We had an enlightening experience walking through the Gion streets. Zeid, our fife gave detailed explanations about the construction of the houses, the Geisha lifestyle and about the Shinto and Buddhist religion.
2+
Arun ********
3 Nov
Our guide Anna provided good guidance on meeting places and the places of visit. She also gave brief details on Japanese culture. the trip was great.
Jennyvei ********
3 Nov
This is so much fun. Everyone is kind and they also gave as photo as souvenir. They fixed our hair and kimonos well. Thank you.
Jennyvei ********
3 Nov
It's great but if you're late for a couple of minutes, they will leave you so you have to be very mindful of the time.
LI *****
3 Nov
The subway coupon you paid is very useful. You can use it to take the Lanshan train when you go to Arashiyama! I really recommend Arashiyama. It’s very comfortable to visit there. I highly recommend it!
Tan *******
3 Nov
Steven our tour guide is very cheerful, and gave clear instructions. He is fluent in English and mandarin. They even had some umbrellas on standby. The 3 places are beautiful despite of rain.
1+
Klook 用戶
3 Nov
It’s a great value trip, especially the tour guide Cici’s service is very good and she is proficient in English and Chinese. We have a great trip. We will join it again next time if we have the opportunity^^
2+
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FAQs about Ginkakuji
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What to know before visiting Ginkakuji
What to know before visiting Ginkakuji
Things to do at Ginkaku-ji Temple
Explore the Main Temple Building
Explore the Main Temple Building at Ginkakuji, also called the Silver Pavilion. Even though it was never covered in silver like planned, its beauty comes from its simple and elegant design. As you walk through, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to when Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa lived, who built the temple as a place to retire.
Walk around the Temple Grounds and Gardens
The temple grounds at Ginkakuji are famous for their amazing Japanese gardens. Follow the circular route and make sure to stop by the big sand cone and dry sand garden, which stands for Mount Fuji and the sea. This peaceful place shows off Zen Buddhism and the Higashiyama culture.
Experience a Tea Ceremony
Join a traditional tea ceremony at Ginkakuji to get a true taste of Zen Buddhist customs. This activity lets you enjoy matcha tea in a quiet setting surrounded by beautiful gardens. It's a great way to learn more about Japanese traditions.
Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement
Ginkakuji is a fantastic place to learn about flower arranging, which is an important part of the Higashiyama culture. The temple sometimes offers classes and shows how to do this delicate art.
Go to the Philosopher's Path
After you're done at Ginkakuji, take a relaxing walk along the Philosopher's Path. This lovely path, lined with cherry blossoms, is perfect for soaking up Kyoto's natural beauty. You can also stop by the cute cafes and shops along the way for a nice afternoon break.