Ginkaku-ji

Nestled in the quiet eastern foothills of Kyoto, Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, stands as one of Japan’s most treasured temples—an embodiment of wabi-sabi, the beauty of simplicity, impermanence, and understated elegance. Unlike its gilded counterpart Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji was never meant to shine with metallic splendour; instead, its charm lies in its quiet grace, weathered wooden textures, and the gentle way it integrates with nature. Visitors often find themselves captivated not only by the pavilion itself but by the mesmerising clear pond that sits at its heart, known as the Kyōko-chi or “Mirror Pond.” Here, the stillness of the water forms a natural mirror that reflects the Silver Pavilion, surrounding pine trees, and shifting Kyoto sky. In moments of perfect calm, the pond creates the illusion of a floating temple—symbolising clarity of mind, serenity, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The beautifully landscaped garden, with its mossy paths, sculpted sand formations, guides visitors towards this pond as a meditative focal point. Ginkakuji continues to remind us that true beauty lies not in extravagance, but in stillness, reflection, and inner peace.

Beautiful temple that is a little bit hidden from the city, kind of on the side, which means that it is not wall to wall with modern buildings. There is some kind of peace in the temple, it is quiet, you don't here cars or noise from the city. Beautiful garden with those amazing specially made gardens with sand and rocks which are racked in a specific way. There are fish in ponds which makes children love this temple. Like in almost all museum, temples or tourist attractions, there are toilets available which are clean, they are situated close to the exit and gift shop.

This temple is a gem. It is truly remarkable, beautiful, and inspiring. It is also near many other temples, so it is possible to go to various temples in the area. This one is excellent. The gardens are beautiful, to the point of being almost impossible to stop taking pictures. I feel like that is a reaction to wanting to soak it all in and keep it forever, and many fellow travelers were doing the same. It was raining some when I went and that honestly added to the atmosphere. The temple was very popular and there were many people out and about, but this did not impact my visit much. I would highly recommend a visit to this temple if you are in Kyoto.

Visiting Ginkaku-ji was an unforgettable experience. The temple is absolutely beautiful, with its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere. The gardens are breathtaking—perfectly designed with moss, pine trees, and the famous sand garden that creates such a peaceful and harmonious setting. Walking along the paths felt like stepping into a living painting. Every corner offered a new perspective of natural beauty and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The view from the hillside was especially stunning, giving a panoramic glimpse of Kyoto framed by nature. Ginkaku-ji is not just a historical site; it’s a place where you can truly feel tranquility and harmony. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the timeless beauty of Japan. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.

As a tourist visiting Kyoto, Ginkaku-ji felt like a must see. The temple is a sight to behold and the gardens give a zen, warming feeling. The staff working tirelessly to maintain the garden and their effort is well appreciated. Washrooms are by the gift shop and the gift shop itself is pretty cute to visit for unique souvenirs. Weather is perfect is November for visiting if sunny out.

Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto is a serene gem. I truly loved the stone garden, so unique and calming. I would have loved to spend an entire day there just meditating. There’s also a spot nearby where you can try a traditional vegetarian tofu dish (2000¥), and it was delicious. Once again, go early in the morning, later in the day the entire place is packed with tourists!

This place is less known compared to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. The building is very similar in shape but less elegant in wooden and white. Visitors can walk around to enjoy the garden. Since it is not very far from the city, one may walk from Kiyomizu-dera via Yasaka Shrine and Heian Shrine.

Ginkaku-ji was honestly a bit underwhelming for me. There’s a small garden and a small temple, and that’s pretty much it. It might be more meaningful if you’re really into Japanese history or architecture, but as a general visitor, I didn’t find anything particularly special. Nice to see once, but not something I’d go out of my way for.

Kinkakuji is known as the Golden Pavilion and is located on the north end of Kyoto. It has its name because the top two floors of the temple are covered in gold leaf. The entrance fee was ¥500 per person for adults. Right when we got inside we walked a little bit and came across the golden temple. It was surrounded by a pond and stood tall over everything around it. It was a nice view but overall it was pretty underwhelming. It took us 15 minutes to get through everything and other than the golden temple there wasn't much else. It's a place that you should visit since it's a popular tourist hot spot but if you're only here for a couple days and it's a bit out of the way for you it's not worth the time and distance traveled to visit.

Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺 A nice stroll to see the magnificent golden tea house that the emperor once used. It can be quite crowded, but every angle you should be able to get a good photo of the main tea house. Overall worth a visit. As an added bonus, they have an ice cream shop just outside of the castle. Very good matcha ice cream. Overall Kel rating: 5/5 The good: easy stroll. Matcha ice cream made it better. The decent: there is an entrance fee just fyi. The ugly: can be super crowded. #Japan #goldenteahouse #gold #kyoto

One of the most beautiful and tranquil sites in Kyoto! Quiet, serene park like setting with an amazing path high into a bamboo forest. Clean, crisp air! Such a hidden gem!

"Ginkaku-ji" temple is a famous place together with Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji has another name as "Jisho-ji" but both are same place. There is a main building which is called "Ginkaku" near by Kinkyo-chi pond. "Gin" means silver, but it is not made real silver. We call so as against Kinkaku-ji temple. However, there is a great garden and beautiful mountain. Especially, you can see fantasitic red leaves on autumn. I hope that you could see them because autumn season is short in Japan. We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of temples and shrines) at here. If you want it, you should visit Goshuin office at first when you enter inside. It is at the right side by the entrance. Then, you can get it when you leave here after seeing inside. "Goshuin" charges 300 yen. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html 銀閣寺は金閣寺に並んで京都の有名な観光名所です。 錦鏡池のほとりにある銀閣はとても立派で、風光明媚です。 金閣寺と違って、銀閣は本物の銀色をしている訳ではありませんが、ここの素晴らしいところは、庭園と美しい山にあります。 特に、紅葉シーズンには見事な紅い色の紅葉が見られます。 これは見ないことには損です。 人生で一度は見に行くべきだと思います。 きっと外国人観光客も気に入る風景でしょうね。 また、御朱印は入口を入ったらすぐ右側にある御朱印所で最初に受付をします。 すると番号札が渡されます。 その後、境内を散策して、ゆっくりと観光した後、帰る際に番号札を御朱印所で渡すと、御朱印帳を返却して頂けます。 御朱印の志納金は300円です。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html

A famous temple in Kyoto, it can be reached by train and bus. You will need to pay an admission fee to go in and see the temple area. Recommended you visit if you can.

The garden area was really peaceful and well kept! This was a really nice temple to visit when you're in the area! Street food market is a major plus around here. I enjoyed it!

Known as the Silver Pavilion, it's not as pretty as it's gold counterpart the Kinkakuji. It's not coated in silver, so it just looks like a regular ancient building. What makes it worth a visit are the gardens. A route goes pass the sand garden and leads up to a lookout that oversees the gardens and the Silver Pavilion. This is located on the northeast corner of Kyoto, about 50 minutes bus ride from Kyoto station if taking bus 100.

Jishō-ji, a.k.a. Ginkaku-ji, is a Zen temple. It's small yet dedicated, surrounding by few gardens.

Last year in the winter, I visited Ginkakuji with my brother and father, and I was pleased with the garden area and tranquil grounds. In November I made my return to Ginkakuji, this time for koyo/autumn colors, and I was taken aback with how incredibly beautiful it was. The third weekend of November, I arrived around 11am after walking about 15 mins from Denmachi-Yanagi Keihan Line, before the crowds got too crazy, and made it inside without too long of a wait. After stepping inside, the fall colors really made a difference. The grounds were a vibrant green, red, and orange, and the "silver" pavilion was very picturesque amid the fall foliage. The best spot was after going up the stairs in the back of the grounds to view the Ginkakuji building poking out from a cloud of red leaves with the Kyoto cityscape in the background. A must-see in Kyoto for Autumn colors, Ginkakuji is an excellent option to go to along with Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do, about 2-3km away.

x4p* Kinkaku-ji Commonly called the Golden Pavilion; top floors covered in gold leaf Buddhist temple overlooking lake Black Pine Boa Admission Nice gift shop

Nice temple to come visit in Kyoto isn't as impressive as some of the others I seen but still a pleasant retreat. Entrance is ¥500 which is cheap seeing as it's not that large but still had beautiful grounds. A nice path takes you through other worldly moss filled flora which I liked. Not the best temple, but I greatly enjoyed it anyway. Recommended.

It was drizzly the day we ventured here, but we had a great time. One of my favorite temples because it's set up against the mountains and it's very peaceful. We took a cab here and it dropped us off at the base of the hill. The cherry blossoms were in bloom at the Philosopher's Path, though muted by the rain. As others said, there are a number of shops from the main street up to the pavilion, with everything from ice cream to potatoes on a stick to really cute doll crafts.

Beautiful. 500 yen per person, has a guided path along the grounds. A little out of the way, but plenty of the city buses stop nearby. The path leading to the temple is full of shops for souvenirs and snacks. You can take Philosopher's Path from Ginkakuji towards other shrines and temples, like Nanzenji.

This place is so peaceful. You just go there and walk around, and you feel so relaxed. At the end of the trail, they have vendors selling charms and snacks that you can buy to take home. One of my favorite temples in Kyoto.

Slightly disappointing after Golden temple, though less touristy and there's a bigger garden to walk around. Took bus 205/102 to get there and then bus 100 to get to Kiyamizu. Not sure if its worth the stop but upto you.

Officially the "Temple of Shining Mercy" and popularly known as the "The Temple of the Silver Pavillon", this was built when the 8th Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa decided to retire at the age of 29 to pursue his deep interest in the arts. His retirement villa was created in the Higayashima style (named after the shogun) - the design is much more simple than its ornate "cousin" the Kinkaku-ji created by his grandfather. Though supposed to be coated in silver during construction, the Onin War broke out and as a result the construction was halted. As a result the temple currently looks the same way it did before the shogun's death. Afterwards per the shogun's wishes it was converted into a Buddhist temple, now currently occupied by the Rinzai sect. Unlike Kinkaku-ji where most of the shops are located after the main temple the shopping area is located as you ascend the path going up to the main entrance on both sides. There's plenty of eating and shopping options. Supposedly one of the "cool" activities is to eat matcha soft serve. Between the main gate and the middle gate (where you'll pay your entrance fee and obtain ticket) you'll find the fence/main approach containing 50 meters of wall-like hedges on both sides. Supposedly this approach serves the purpose of separating the peaceful sanctuary from the outside world and creating a dramatic prelude to the realm of beauty within. After paying the entrance fee of 500円, you are led to the beginning of the temple grounds where Ginshadan and Kogetsudai will greet you. Supposedly representing waves and Mount Fuji, respectively, they are made of a fine white sand higher in quality than regular sand. Supposedly at night they reflect the moonlight. Out of the twelve originally constructed structures only the main hall "Kannon-den" (aka Ginkaku) and Togu-do survive. These structures are two of Japan's "national treasures". - Kannon-den is modeled after the Shariden of Kinkaku-ji and contains two floors. The first floor "Shinkuden" was modeled in the traditional Japanese style and where the shogun practiced meditation. The upper story, "Cho-onkaku" is modeled in the Chinese style containing a Chinese sliding door. The bronze phoenix (also modeled after Kinkaku-ji's golden phoenix) constantly guards the temple dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. - The other complex, Togu-do, symbolized the shogun's affinity for the True Pure Land Buddhism sect (he believed in both Pure Land and Zen). The formal study room in this area became a prototype for future tearooms (because Higayashima era was when tea ceremony started becoming popular) and the size of the tearoom (4.5 tatami mats) became the gold standard ratio for tea rooms. - As the shogun partook in tea ceremony the water arising from the wells here are of very good quality, they are still known as being of superior quality in contemporary tea ceremony culture. Though I didn't partake in tea here supposedly they sell tea and all different kinds of wagashi. There's a dedicated area that you can take your purchased goods to eat. The beginning of the ascent to the main gate of Ginkaku-ji marks the northern terminus of the Philosopher's Path (http://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%93%B2%E5%AD%A6%E3%81%AE%E9%81%93-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-3?hrid=cbyTI5fzQacaj0D6x7irDw), another common tourist activity. Along with Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji's rock garden and Kiyomizu-dera (which I didn't visit), Ginkaku-ji is one of the top four must-see Buddhist temples in Kyoto. It is one of the defining examples of "Higayashima culture", an era which developed many of the activities now commonly associated with Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and ikebana.

The Silver Pavilion, another beautiful place to visit in Kyoto. If you are collecting your Geshuin, you can get one here too. I love the paths as they meander around into the rear gardens, and over bridges. It is less crowded here compared to the Golden Pavilion, but worth the visit if you are nearby. There is a stone garden here known for depicting a certain famous mountain. Entrance fee as usual, 500 yen I think.

Although the famous aspect of this is the wooden pavilion in the water, the path that winds around the property was the highlight for me. The path goes up and down hills, by raked gravel gardens, and through an otherworldly forests covered in moss. You can experience it in less than an hour.

The 8th Shogun of Ashikaga government, Yoshimasa Ashikaga built this calm rigid temple as a retirement villa for himself. It is called Ginkakuji. Gin means silver in English, but the temple is not coated with pieces of silver leaves unlike its counterpart, the golden pavilion of Kinkaku (Kin means gold in English). Its building looks like an old Japanese residence. I would like to see inside of the building but not allowed. It is not open to public. Other view point is its sophisticated garden. Wave-shaved sand and conic-shaped sand stand. Ancient people were said to have watched the beautiful moon, sitting on the sand stand. It sounds romantic! It is closed at around five, so I can't watch the beautiful moon in this temple. There is also a hill and pond landscape garden. A series of Higashiyama mountains also become a borrowed landscape. I prefer Ginkakuji temple to Kinkakuji temple, because of its dry simplicity, solidness and purity. It is now designated world heritage.

Definitely a favorite of ours from all the shrines we visited simply because of the magnificent landscape. There is also a nice little hiking trail up the side of the mountain. A wonderful visit and close to the Philosophers path which is usually covered with cherry blossoms in the spring from what I hear! There are also plenty of great places to shop and eat along the path.