Ginkakuji

Ginkakuji is famous because it shows off the beautiful style of Higashiyama culture and Zen Buddhism. Plus, the main temple building and its gardens are loved for bringing Japanese arts like the tea ceremony and flower arrangement to life. So, if you are interested in Japan's cultural history, Ginkakuji is a place you should visit!

Usually, visitors to Ginkakuji can only walk around the gardens. Some buildings, like the Togudo and Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters), are open to the public only during special times in spring and autumn. These times offer a rare chance to see the temple’s inside. Even when the main building is closed, the gardens are so beautiful that they’re worth the trip on their own.

Ginkakuji is called the Silver Pavilion, but it doesn’t look silver. It was originally supposed to be covered in silver foil, much like how the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) is coated in gold. But, this never happened. Instead, you can see its natural wooden surface. This unfinished look is part of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which means finding beauty in things that are imperfect and simple.

To reach Ginkakuji from Kyoto Station, you can take bus #5 or #17. Get off at the Ginkakuji-michi bus stop, and then walk for about 10 minutes. Another option is to enjoy a beautiful walk along the Philosopher's Path, starting from Nanzenji. This walk takes around 30–45 minutes. Both ways are easy and let you see the lovely eastern Kyoto.

You can see everything at Ginkakuji in about an hour. The temple grounds are gorgeous and worth checking out. Nearby, you’ll find other famous spiritual places like Chion-in Temple, Nanzenji Temple, and Heian Jingu Shrine. Together, they make for a great day of exploring in Kyoto.

Ginkakuji’s opening hours change with the seasons. In summer (March–November), it opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. In winter (December–February), it opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 4:30 PM. Be sure to plan your visit so you have plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful temple grounds.