Ginkakuji

★ 4.7 (298K+ reviews) • 357K+ booked
Overview
Things to do
Restaurants
Hotels

Ginkakuji Tickets & Tours

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)
Tours • Kyoto

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.0 / 5
(696) • 30K+ booked
RM 108.79
20% off select options
Bamboo Artistry & Zen Serenity Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto
Tours • Kyoto

Bamboo Artistry & Zen Serenity Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
RM 643.69
Kyoto Higashiyama Half-Day E-Bike Tour with UNESCO Sites
Spring deal
Tours • From Kyoto

Kyoto Higashiyama Half-Day E-Bike Tour with UNESCO Sites

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(9) • 50+ booked
RM 311.49
Save RM 77.86
Kyoto Highlights Private Day Trip (Departure from Osaka/Kyoto)
Tours • From Kyoto, Osaka

Kyoto Highlights Private Day Trip (Departure from Osaka/Kyoto)

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Private tour
English guided
5.0 / 5
(9) • 50+ booked
RM 2,076.45
Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, and Kinkakuji Temple Half Day Tour
Tours • Kyoto

Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, and Kinkakuji Temple Half Day Tour

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English guided
Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(35) • 600+ booked
RM 179.09
Half-Day Private Guided Tour to the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto
Spring deal
Tours • Kyoto

Half-Day Private Guided Tour to the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto

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Private tour
English guided
RM 996.75
Save RM 249.14
Kyoto Ginkaku-ji Half-Day Historical Walking Tour
Spring deal
Tours • Kyoto

Kyoto Ginkaku-ji Half-Day Historical Walking Tour

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English guided
Free cancellation
3.0 / 5
(2)
RM 272.55
Save RM 116.80
Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kyoto Temples
Spring deal
Tours • Kyoto

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kyoto Temples

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Private tour
English guided
RM 1,349.69
Save RM 337.41
Bicycle Adventure Experience in Kyoto
Outdoor & sports activities • Kyoto

Bicycle Adventure Experience in Kyoto

English guided
Morning departure
3-5 hrs
4.0 / 5
(4) • 100+ booked
RM 1,145.19
teamLab Biovortex Kyoto ticket
Klook's choice
Museums • Kyoto

teamLab Biovortex Kyoto ticket

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(3.0K) • 200K+ booked
From
RM 108.50
Free 1 eSIM per booking (app only)
Kyoto: Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option
Spring deal
Klook's choice
Cultural experiences • Kyoto

Kyoto: Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option

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English guided
Morning departure
5.0 / 5
(3.2K) • 10K+ booked
RM 25.99
Save RM 11.10
Kyoto: Ring Making Workshop : Vintage Japanese Coin Ring
Spring deal
Cultural experiences • Kyoto

Kyoto: Ring Making Workshop : Vintage Japanese Coin Ring

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English guided
Morning departure
5.0 / 5
(1.6K) • 6K+ booked
RM 38.95
Save RM 16.70

Where to stay in Ginkakuji

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(2.2K) • 100+ booked
From
RM 237.66
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

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4.8 / 5
(1.1K) • 200+ booked
From
RM 237.75
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.1K) • 300+ booked
From
RM 239.14
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijo

Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(168) • 50+ booked
From
RM 352.42
Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
Hotels • Kyoto

Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo

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4.9 / 5
(4.3K) • 300+ booked
From
RM 441.85
RIHGA Gran Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

RIHGA Gran Kyoto

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4.7 / 5
(1.1K) • 100+ booked
From
RM 223.46
Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi

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4.8 / 5
(876) • 50+ booked
From
RM 182.22
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Hotels • Kyoto

Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station

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4.7 / 5
(1.0K) • 100+ booked
From
RM 332.43
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel Monterey Kyoto

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4.6 / 5
(1.1K) • 100+ booked
From
RM 270.46
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
Hotels • Kyoto

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.1K) • 50+ booked
From
RM 262.87
Hotel M’s Est Kyoto Station South
Hotels • Kyoto

Hotel M’s Est Kyoto Station South

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(689) • 50+ booked
From
RM 194.04
OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts
Hotels • Kyoto

OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts

Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(360) • 50+ booked
From
RM 218.31

Transport to & from Ginkakuji

Kyoto to Nara Express Train by Kintetsu
Rail passes • Kyoto

Kyoto to Nara Express Train by Kintetsu

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Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(39) • 5K+ booked
RM 33.25
Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket
Rail passes • Kyoto

Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(138) • 20K+ booked
RM 31.69
JR Sanyo-San'in Area Pass
Rail passes • Kyoto (From Kyoto)

JR Sanyo-San'in Area Pass

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Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(2.1K) • 40K+ booked
RM 584.09
Randen Pass
Rail passes • Kyoto

Randen Pass

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Instant confirmation
4.4 / 5
(921) • 10K+ booked
RM 17.79
Retail: RM 18.19
Eizan Electric Railway 1-Day Pass “Ee Kippu” & Kurama Onsen Set Ticket
Train tickets • Kyoto

Eizan Electric Railway 1-Day Pass “Ee Kippu” & Kurama Onsen Set Ticket

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Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(5) • 100+ booked
From
RM 66.19
Hieizan Free Pass (Unlimited 1-Day Rides on 6 Types of Transport)
Rail passes • Kyoto

Hieizan Free Pass (Unlimited 1-Day Rides on 6 Types of Transport)

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
New Activity
RM 90.85
Kyoto Car Rental with Driver to Nara/Osaka/Kobe/Uji/Lake Biwa/Wakayama - English/Chinese Speaking Driver
Car charters • Kyoto

Kyoto Car Rental with Driver to Nara/Osaka/Kobe/Uji/Lake Biwa/Wakayama - English/Chinese Speaking Driver

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(5) • New Activity
RM 1,099.29
Retail: RM 1,214.75
Kyoto Private City Transfers to Kyoto Station/Kyoto City(One way)
Car charters • Kyoto

Kyoto Private City Transfers to Kyoto Station/Kyoto City(One way)

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Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(5) • 100+ booked
RM 274.85
Retail: RM 280.35
Tokyo - Kyoto Highway Bus Ticket
Buses • Kyoto

Tokyo - Kyoto Highway Bus Ticket

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Instant confirmation
New Activity
From
RM 93.72
RM 98.65
Save RM 4.93
Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner
Buses • Kyoto (From Kyoto)

Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner

4.3 / 5
(131) • 3K+ booked
From
RM 254.39
Kyoto Departure Private Car Charter | Uji, Nara & Surrounding Areas
Car charters • Kyoto

Kyoto Departure Private Car Charter | Uji, Nara & Surrounding Areas

Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(94) • 1K+ booked
RM 1,099.29
Shinagawa to Kyoto - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Kyoto (From Tokyo)

Shinagawa to Kyoto - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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Instant confirmation
RM 350.39

Restaurants near Ginkakuji

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(261) • 9K+ booked
RM 103.55
Higashiyama Traditional Japanese tofu cuisine Souhonke Yudofu Okutan Kiyomizu Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Higashiyama Traditional Japanese tofu cuisine Souhonke Yudofu Okutan Kiyomizu Kyoto

Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(8) • 200+ booked
RM 151.09
One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto

Free cancellation
5.0 / 5
(11) • 500+ booked
RM 197.29
Kyo Kaiseki KINMATA (近又) in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Kyo Kaiseki KINMATA (近又) in Kyoto

Set menu
24-hour confirmation
5.0 / 5
(9) • 400+ booked
RM 250.39
Nikuyanodaidokoro - Wagyu Beef Roasted Meati in Kyoto,Sanjo Kawaramachi
Food & dining • Kyoto

Nikuyanodaidokoro - Wagyu Beef Roasted Meati in Kyoto,Sanjo Kawaramachi

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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
3.9 / 5
(18) • 600+ booked
RM 90.85
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist
Food & dining • Kyoto

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Free cancellation
4.5 / 5
(438) • 6K+ booked
RM 148.89
Gion Maruyama (祇园丸山) and Kenninji Gion Maruyama - Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Kyoto Gion
Food & dining • Kyoto

Gion Maruyama (祇园丸山) and Kenninji Gion Maruyama - Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Kyoto Gion

Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(9) • 700+ booked
RM 272.55
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
Food & dining • Kyoto

Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion

Set menu
24-hour confirmation
4.5 / 5
(84) • 3K+ booked
RM 308.25
Chihana (板前割烹 千花) Gion, Michelin 3-Starred Kappo in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Chihana (板前割烹 千花) Gion, Michelin 3-Starred Kappo in Kyoto

Free cancellation
3.6 / 5
(17) • 600+ booked
RM 285.50
Michelin sushi series restaurant - Kaiten sushi ginza onodera KYOTO Kaiten sushi ginza onodera KYOTO conveyor belt sushi - Kyoto
RM 103.85
Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki
Food & dining • Kyoto

Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki

Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(21) • 900+ booked
RM 145.35
Manjiro - Kyoryori in Kyoto
Food & dining • Kyoto

Manjiro - Kyoryori in Kyoto

Free cancellation
4.5 / 5
(15) • 400+ booked
RM 168.75

More to explore

The ultimate entertainment experience lighting up Kyoto's night. DRUM TAO Live Wadaiko Drum Show
Events & shows • Kyoto

The ultimate entertainment experience lighting up Kyoto's night. DRUM TAO Live Wadaiko Drum Show

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(26) • 500+ booked
RM 285.50
Kyoto Gion: Samurai & Kimono Theatrical Show
From
RM 78.05
WSP pearl jewelry coupons
Shopping • Kyoto

WSP pearl jewelry coupons

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Instant confirmation
50+ booked
Free Voucher
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto
Shopping • Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

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Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(111) • 6K+ booked
Free Voucher
Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service | Osaka/Kyoto <-> Hiroshima/Hakata
Travel services • Kyoto

Same-Day Luggage Delivery Service | Osaka/Kyoto <-> Hiroshima/Hakata

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(8) • 100+ booked
RM 115.52
RM 271.25
Save RM 155.73

Ginkakuji Reviews

Klook User
2026-04-12 13:22:41
Fantastic 5.0
We had A as our tour guide and he was absolutely amazing he was so informative when explaining everything was very funny and made the tour great all around
Klook User
2026-06-21 13:48:58
Fantastic 5.0
Great way to explore Kyoto. Our guide and driver was super efficient- he came on time and ensured the trip was customised to our requirement
Klook User
2026-06-21 01:07:25
Fantastic 5.0
Excellent experience to bike around local temples and world heritage spots around the Gion area. Miki our guide, adopted our itinerary based on our interest and limited time. It was nice to see some of sites before the 9 am rush of tourist. This e-bike is perfect for those who comfortable riding bikes in city traffic and some uphill climbs. We had a beautiful experience visiting the sites in the this part of Kyoto.
Alvaro *******
2026-09-22 11:14:04
Fantastic 5.0
It is incredible. Not only do they explain what sumo is, but they make you feel and experience it. The staff is very attentive and fluent in multiple languages, and the wrestlers are very nice and fun. I had a great time and had the opportunity to observe and try to move a professional sumo wrestler.
Raymond ****
2026-07-15 03:14:19
Fantastic 5.0
The experience was fun for the whole family. It wasn't too difficult to shave the wood, even for my 8 yr old. We chose Sugi, Walnut, Sakura, and Purple Heart. Victor K. was very helpful, professional, and patient. He provided clear instructions and helpful hints to make the beautiful chopsticks. You can tell he truly enjoys the craft of making chopsticks. The personalized engraving was a fun extra we all loved.
Christine ****
2026-09-28 10:53:29
Fantastic 5.0
Really enjoyed this tour. We lucked out with multi lingual Charles who was excellent throughout - lots of knowledge and insight, helpful, and good fun. From the 07:45 pick up to drop off the trip was very well run and our driver managed to beat the traffic too giving us more time to explore beautiful Ine Bay. The boat ride was eventful with the seagulls, almost Hitchcockian! The rain came on at Amanohashidate however the views were still good and would definitely recommend the chair lift over the monorail. good value, fun trip, and so good to get out of the noise of Dotonbori for the day.
Klook User
2026-08-29 07:49:36
Fantastic 5.0
Aye was an absolutely amazing tour guide at Nijo Castle! He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating details about the castle, its history, and features that we never would have noticed on our own. I had previously visited Nijo Castle without a guide, and I can honestly say that this experience was 100% better. I learned so much and walked away with a completely new appreciation for the castle and its history. On top of being an excellent guide, Aye was incredibly thoughtful and attentive. When it started to rain during our tour, he even offered to get umbrellas for us! It was such a kind gesture and really showed how much he cares about the people on his tours. I cannot recommend Aye enough. If you’re visiting Nijo Castle in Kyoto, having him as your guide makes the experience so much more meaningful and memorable. Thank you, Aye, for such a wonderful tour!
Jane ***
2026-09-09 00:58:02
Fantastic 5.0
Our guide Ms Shion was amazing! She is very enthusiastic and engaging. The walk covers quite a lot at a good pace but we didn’t spot any maikos or geishas which was my main objective. I wonder if the route could be reversed so there’s a higher chance of spotting the talented artistes at the the Queen of Geisha district?
Klook User
2026-09-11 13:44:11
Fantastic 5.0
One of the BEST experiences of our Japan trip! From arrival, everyone was kind, patient and welcoming. We were three generations: my mom, me and my 4-year-old daughter, and they found matching kimonos for ALL of us! My mom and I are plus-size, and we had beautiful options without needing the ¥5,000 celebratory upgrade. They even had my daughter’s size and gave her a sweet little add-on. We also booked the 60-minute photography session directly through the kimono shop, and DO IT! 📸 Our photographer was amazing. He posed and directed us, chose beautiful locations, and captured individual, mother-daughter and three-generation photos. It was HOT, we needed restroom breaks, and we had a 4-year-old, but he was incredibly patient and never made us feel rushed. Just LOOK at these photos! We left with more than vacation pictures; we have family keepsakes we’ll treasure forever. 👘💕

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FAQs about Ginkakuji

Why is Ginkakuji famous?

Can you go inside Ginkakuji?

Why isn't Ginkakuji silver?

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What time does Ginkakuji open?

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.