Originally built as 15th-century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa's retirement villa, Ginkakuji Temple stands as a testament to developing Higashiyama culture, of which the shogun was a patron. Admire the so-called Silver Pavilion's unfinished aspect, typical of the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes transience. The building has survived intact through earthquakes and fires that required the reconstruction of other structures on site. While you cannot enter the pavilion, circumnavigate the temple's grounds, including a moss garden and dry sand garden, to appreciate its careful layout. Ginkakuji Temple is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , custom trip planner Edition.
Create an itinerary including Ginkakuji Temple
Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji Temple reviews
-
This beautiful temple probably is spectacular all year round, but when we visited it around this time last year, it was bursting with all the colors of fall, making it a sight straight out of a Manga.... more »
-
This is a very nice moss and gravel landscape. It is not as famous kinkakuji, but in the top list of many guides. I really enjoyed strolling around this place. more »
Plan your trip to Kyoto
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Kyoto
Historic Sites in Kyoto
Side trips from Kyoto
Hidden gems in Kyoto
Shopping in Kyoto
Nearby attractions in Kyoto
Trips to Ginkakuji Temple by other users
60 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM PHILIPPINES
Tokyo
·
Kyoto
·
Himeji
48 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM DENMARK
Tokyo
·
Yokohama
·
Hakone-machi
21 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM ITALY
Tokyo
·
Fuji
·
Nagoya
29 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Nakafurano-cho
·
Kanazawa
·
Kyoto
32 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM JAPAN
Ishigaki
·
Naha
·
Motobu-cho
19 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Tokyo
·
Kamakura
·
Naha