Ginkakuji

Religious spot
★ 4.9 (22K+ reviews) • 222K+ booked
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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Why people love Ginkakuji

4.9 /5
22K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
3 days ago
Charles is really a great tour guide. Speaks very well and clear and always gives a great history discussion of the tour.
1+
Lin *******
3 days ago
Almost all the clerks in the store can speak Chinese, are easy to communicate with, and have a good attitude! I opened the door on time, got dressed quickly and accurately, and my wife’s hair didn’t fall out at all until the evening 👍 The clothes were tight along the way, highly recommended!
Chen *****
3 days ago
The sound and light effects are very good, and dry ice will be added at appropriate times to create a mysterious and quiet atmosphere. You can see different Heian Shrine.
2+
Chan ********
3 days ago
A better-than-expected light show, worth the price of admission.
Kasib ****
3 days ago
It was Brilliant. Worth every penny. The gardens were amazing. I have never been to a similar experience. One of the highlights of my Kyoto trip.
EdmundMark ********
3 days ago
staff is really friendly and food was very delicious! I would recommend this place to hang out! it’s open late as well
2+
Klook用戶
3 days ago
During this trip, we were fortunate enough to meet our tour guide Charles, and his performance was really admirable! Charles is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Mandarin and Cantonese, which made our travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether communicating with foreign tourists or asking locals, Charles was always able to deal with it easily and made us feel that language is no longer a barrier. We were deeply moved by Charles' patience and attentiveness. He will take the initiative to care about the needs of each group member. Whether it is adjustments to the itinerary or questions about the local culture, he will patiently answer them and make us feel cared for like family. Whenever we asked a question or request, he always had a smile on his face and was always ready to help. This service attitude made the whole trip full of warmth. During the trip, Charles was more than just a tour guide, but more like a friend. He will share many interesting stories and local customs, allowing us to not just watch the tour but to truly immerse ourselves in the culture of this place. The introduction of each attraction was full of his enthusiasm, making us full of expectations for each place. In addition, Charles is also very thoughtful in arranging the itinerary, fully considering the age and needs of the group members, and adjusting the itinerary just right so that everyone can enjoy the fun of the trip. He was always looking out for our safety and making sure everyone was having a comfortable tour, which made us feel very reassured. Overall, this trip became more exciting because of Charles' company. We are very grateful for everything he did for us and made our trip full of wonderful memories. I wish Charles all the best in his future work and can continue to provide such high-quality services to more tourists! If we have the opportunity to travel again, we would definitely like to explore new places with Charles again. Thank you again, Charles!
2+
클룩 회원
4 days ago
It was my first time wearing a kimono. I was awkward and nervous because it was my first time, but everyone was very kind to me. They treated me kindly even though I used hand gestures, footwork, English, and a little Japanese. I really recommend it! It's the best!
1+

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FAQs about Ginkakuji

Why is Ginkakuji famous?

Can you go inside Ginkakuji?

Why isn't Ginkakuji silver?

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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.