The Zen Buddhist temple Ginkaku-ji is also called the Silver Pavilion and was built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa after the older Kinkaku-ji temple on the other side of Kyoto.

On maps you will also find this temple under the name Higashiyama Jisho-ji.

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The Ginkakuji Temple complex contains about a dozen different buildings and shrines and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

It lies in the eastern part of the city at the foot of densely wooded hills, so the best time to visit is in the second half of November when the trees are in colourful leaf.

Silver Pavilion

The main sight is the Silver Pavilion, which is a replica of the Golden Pavilion in the Kinkaku-ji temple complex.

In reality, however, this pavilion is mostly wooden and is not covered in real silver like the Golden Pavilion is covered in real gold.

The nickname probably came about as a contrast to the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.

Ginkaku-ji

Ginkakuji Gardens

Admission and opening hours

The grounds are open daily from 8:30am-5:00pm, and 9:00am-4:30pm in winter (December and February).

Ticket price is 500 jpy and can be paid by cash or card.

Entry is only allowed into the gardens and it is not possible to enter the interior of the Silver Pavilion.

Official website: shokoku-ji.jp/ginkakuji.

How to get there

Ginkaku-ji Temple is located on the eastern edge of Kyoto and is only accessible by city buses. The bus stop about 300 meters from the entrance is called "Ginkakuji-michi".

Prices and ticket types are described in the Transportation chapter.