Ginkaku-ji
Zen temple · Sakyō, Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji

Photo: Oilstreet · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

The Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple built as a shogun's retirement villa in the 15th century. Despite the name, it was never covered in silver. Visitors come for its raked sand garden, moss garden and hillside path with views over the city.

On day 5 of Kyoto in 5 days

Good to know

Time to spend
45 minutes–1 hour
Tickets
Paid entry, no booking needed; shorter hours in winter
Best time
Early morning; autumn for colour
Getting there
City bus to Ginkakuji-michi, then 10 min walk

Itineraries with Ginkaku-ji

Day 5 of Kyoto in 5 days

The Philosopher's Path into Gion

How Ginkaku-ji fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Ginkaku-jiSakyō
  2. 10:00Philosopher's PathSakyō
  3. 12:00Nanzen-jiSakyō
  4. 17:00Gion and Hanami-koji at duskGion
See all 5 days
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Ginkaku-ji questions

Why is Ginkaku-ji called the Silver Pavilion if it isn't silver?

The nickname came later, likely by comparison with the Golden Pavilion. There is no evidence it was ever covered in silver.

Is Ginkaku-ji near the Philosopher's Path?

Yes. The Philosopher's Path begins just below the temple's approach.

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