Ginkaku-ji
Cost
Attractions > Kyoto > Shrines Temples > Kyoto East
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Looking accross the pond to main Ginkaku-ji temple
About
![Ginkakuji Temple Kyoto [Jmhullot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ginkakuji_Fall1.jpg| CC BY 3.0 ]](/files/business/600x450-ginkakuji-temple-0001.jpg "Ginkakuji Temple Kyoto [Jmhullot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ginkakuji_Fall1.jpg| CC BY 3.0 ]")
The Ginkakuji, ("Gin" meaning 'silver') "Temple of the Silver Pavilion" is a Zen temple in the eastern mountains of Kyoto. Although most people, even the Japanese refer to the temple as the Silver Pavilion, it's real name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji. Ginkaku-ji was built in 1842 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and once completed, the temple and gardens were to serve as a place of rest, solitude and reflection for the Shogun. Originally the temple was planned to be a "sister/brother" temple to the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) which was built by Ashikaga's grandfather and be covered in silver but the Onin War started up and the original plan never proceeded. Ginkaku-ji is a center for contemporary culture but it remained limited to the aristocratic circles of Kyoto. Today, Ginkaku-ji has a Silver Pavilion and about 6 other temples around the area. It is covered with moss garden and a dry sand garden.
Ginkaku-ji Temple is a beautiful structure of old and traditional Japanese architecture while the gardens are a magnificent example of Japanese/Zen culture. One of the most important temples in Kyoto, the "Temple of the Silver Pavilion" is a must see on a trip to Kyoto.
![Ginkakuji covered in snow [Moja|https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%85%88%E7%85%A7%E5%AF%BA#/media/File:Ginkakuji04.jpg| CC BY-SA 3.0 ]](/files/business/600x450-ginkakuji-temple-0004.jpg "Ginkakuji covered in snow [Moja|https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%85%88%E7%85%A7%E5%AF%BA#/media/File:Ginkakuji04.jpg| CC BY-SA 3.0 ]")
![Ginkakuji Temple Kyoto [Jmhullot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ginkakuji_Fall1.jpg| CC BY 3.0 ]](/files/business/600x450-ginkakuji-temple-0003.jpg "Ginkakuji Temple Kyoto [Jmhullot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ginkakuji_Fall1.jpg| CC BY 3.0 ]")
Access
Closest Train Station: Demachiyanagi
2 Ginkakujicho
Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8402 Japan
Tel: 075-771-5725
The "closest" station is quite a walk from the attraction so we suggest a taxi and request the driver in Japanese, "Gin Kaku Ji, onegai shimasu" ("To Ginkakuji Please"), a 10 - 15 min. ride.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Ginkaku-ji.
Hours & Fees
Hours: Summer: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Winter: 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
Closed: No closing days
Cost: 15+: 500 yen, under 15: 300 yen
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Ginkaku-ji Homepage
