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Ginkakuji

★ 4.9 (32K+ reviews) • 409K+ booked
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Ginkakuji Reviews

4.9 /5
32K+ reviews
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AkashKumar *******
10 Mar
I booked the tour with Kyoto, and my tour guide was HAN from Local Guide STARS. She was great, and I really enjoyed the tour with her. She was eager to answer all the questions and very attentive to ensure that everyone in the group was following. She explained each spot enthusiastically and also recommended photo stops. As a solo traveller, it was good as I often don't have the opportunity to get my photos taken. I recommend Han (from Myanmar) to everyone taking this tour and would love to see her again in the future as well. Good luck to her.
2+
JClaire ******
10 Mar
This tour is one of the best I've had in Japan so far. True to what is being advertised. The places we went to are wonderful. Okini for today, Rick and Mika.
1+
Utilisateur Klook
10 Mar
Very interesting visit. Despite my English not being excellent, I understood the explanations from our guide, Logan. Gion is a very beautiful place. I was delighted to learn so much about geishas.
2+
Maria ******************
9 Mar
We enjoyed the tour! Ethan our tour guide has a lot of trivia about japan and I learned a lot from this tour. Kyoto is a very beautiful old city to visit.
2+
Klook User
9 Mar
I had such a wonderful experience with this kimono rental service! It was my first time wearing a kimono, and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable right away. They gave me plenty of time to browse and choose the kimono I liked, and the entire process was smooth and well organised. The team was very professional and attentive, making sure everything was fitted perfectly and looked beautiful. They also kindly helped me arrange a professional photographer, and the timing worked out perfectly for the photos. I would absolutely choose them again when I visit Kyoto next time as I had a memorable kimono experience!
Klook客路用户
9 Mar
I rarely leave reviews, but the photographer had an excellent personality. There was no need to worry about posing, as the actions he taught were very natural and simple, yet the results were outstanding. It was a truly worthwhile photography experience.
2+
ผู้ใช้ Klook
9 Mar
It was very comfortable. Only two stops a day, which we thought was just right – not too rushed, and plenty of time left over. 🙏 The guide spoke many languages, which was very impressive. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
1+
Klook 用戶
8 Mar
This is my fourth time visiting Arashiyama, and my first time experiencing it in the rain. The Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, and Nonomiya Shrine all have a unique charm when it's raining. It was my first visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, and there were photo opportunities everywhere. Kurumazaki Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine are also distinctive and well worth a visit.
2+

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FAQs about Ginkakuji

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What to know about Ginkakuji

Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a beautiful Zen temple located in the eastern mountains of Kyoto. Originally, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built it as a retirement villa, but later it became a Buddhist temple after Yoshimasa's death. When you visit Ginkakuji, you can check out its amazing Japanese garden. It has an interesting dry sand garden with a massive sand cone that looks like Mount Fuji. There's also a moss-covered garden with a path that lets you enjoy peaceful views and carefully designed landscapes. But that's not all! Don't forget to climb up to the moon-viewing platform. From there, you'll get breathtaking views of the temple grounds and the surrounding mountains. As a must-see temple, Ginkakuji gives you a fascinating look at Kyoto's Zen traditions. Plus, it's close to the Philosopher’s Path, making it easy to continue exploring Kyoto’s beautiful temple buildings and gardens.
Ginkakuji, Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8402, Japan

What to know before visiting Ginkakuji

Things to do at Ginkaku-ji Temple

Explore the Main Temple Building

Explore the Main Temple Building at Ginkakuji, also called the Silver Pavilion. Even though it was never covered in silver like planned, its beauty comes from its simple and elegant design. As you walk through, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to when Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa lived, who built the temple as a place to retire.

Walk around the Temple Grounds and Gardens

The temple grounds at Ginkakuji are famous for their amazing Japanese gardens. Follow the circular route and make sure to stop by the big sand cone and dry sand garden, which stands for Mount Fuji and the sea. This peaceful place shows off Zen Buddhism and the Higashiyama culture.

Experience a Tea Ceremony

Join a traditional tea ceremony at Ginkakuji to get a true taste of Zen Buddhist customs. This activity lets you enjoy matcha tea in a quiet setting surrounded by beautiful gardens. It's a great way to learn more about Japanese traditions.

Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement

Ginkakuji is a fantastic place to learn about flower arranging, which is an important part of the Higashiyama culture. The temple sometimes offers classes and shows how to do this delicate art.

Go to the Philosopher's Path

After you're done at Ginkakuji, take a relaxing walk along the Philosopher's Path. This lovely path, lined with cherry blossoms, is perfect for soaking up Kyoto's natural beauty. You can also stop by the cute cafes and shops along the way for a nice afternoon break.

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