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Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto

4.3
#6 of 688 in Historic Sites in Kyoto
Religious Site · Tourist Spot
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.
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Tours to Ginkakuji Temple

FROM $157 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour
5.0
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Tours from $157 »
FROM $223 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Custom Tour: Kyoto in One Day
4.4
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Tours from $223 »
FROM $25 BOOK WITH VIATOR Silver Pavilion Ginkaku-ji Temple Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
5.0
Duration: 1 hour
Tours from $25 »

Ginkakuji Temple reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
4,602 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By HarryTours_Official
    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 »
  • By HotRodHeart
    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 »
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