Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Kyoto, Japan
Ginkaku-ji, officially known as Jishō-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple located in the eastern hills of Kyoto. Originally established as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the late 15th century, it was converted into a Buddhist temple following his death in 1490.
Despite its name, the Silver Pavilion was never covered in silver. Its simple wooden exterior reflects the understated elegance of the Higashiyama culture that developed during Yoshimasa’s lifetime.
One of the temple’s most distinctive features is its carefully maintained sand garden. Known as the Sea of Silver Sand, it features precise patterns raked into white sand, alongside the distinctive cone-shaped Moon-Viewing Platform.
Beyond the pavilion, walking paths lead through landscaped gardens featuring ponds, carefully pruned pine trees, moss-covered rocks and small waterfalls. A pathway climbs the wooded hillside, offering elevated views across the temple grounds.
Ginkaku-ji is also situated near the northern end of Kyoto’s famous Philosopher’s Path, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Getting There from Kyoto Railway Station
From Kyoto Station, board City Bus No. 5 or No. 17 and travel approximately 35–40 minutes to Ginkakuji-michi. From the bus stop, the temple entrance is about 10 minutes away on foot, along an uphill approach.
Another option is to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Station and change to Bus No. 203 for Ginkakuji-michi. This can be a more convenient choice when traffic is heavy.
As of September 2026, the temple welcomes visitors from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm between March and November, and from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm between December and February. Adult admission costs ¥1,000.
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