Ginkakuji Temple, Kinki, Japan

4.5 (4.622 reviews) Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent Ranking #19 in Kinki Religious Sites

ZEN all the way down!

Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this Zen temple was supposed to have been finished in a coat of silver. Although this step never occurred, the temple is still known by the name Silver Pavilion.
Kinki review images

Address

2 Ginakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8402 Kyoto Prefecture

Mobile

+81 75-771-5725

Website

https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/ginkakuji/

Email

[email protected]

Working hours

Monday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Current local date and time now

Sunday, May 05, 2024, 23:41

User Ratings

4.5 based on (4.622 reviews)

Excellent

53%

Good

36%

Satisfactory

10%

Poor

Terrible

Reviews

5CanuckJames 5:00 PM Nov 18, 2022
A must see in Kyoto
If you see Kinkakuji Temple then you need to see Ginkakuji Temple to appreciate the contrast and difference of philosophies exhibited within the family that built both. We were fortunate to have a local guide explain the differences and explanations of the sand placement, and moonlight and why it ended up being called Silver Pavillion. While the temple itself is quite austere by comparison, the picturesque little walk within the temple walls was worth it. We came during the off-season, with relatively fewer tourists than usual. This also made our visit even more enjoyable.
5Eva Maria N 5:00 PM Jan 8, 2020
Such a serene and beautiful temple!
You will have to walk uphill about half a mile, through small shops, and residencial homes, but the experience is worth it. Located at the foot of a hill, the secondary paths will require some highly rewarded effort. The whole park is beautifully designed, and the different buildings and bridges offer a stunning and colorful contrast with nature. You will leave peacefully energized from this complex.