Temple
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
銀閣寺（慈照寺）
Built in 1482 as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and converted into a Zen temple after his death. The pavilion was never covered in silver; the grounds include a raked sand garden and a moss garden, and are part of the UNESCO Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Key facts
- Station
- Ginkakuji-michi bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 5, 17)10 min walk
- Admission
- Paid entry
- Typical visit
- 45 min
- Hours
- 8:30 to 17:00 (March to November); 9:00 to 16:30 (December to February)
Tip
It sits at the north end of the Philosopher's Path, so it pairs with a walk south to Nanzen-ji.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$534 per night. Where to stay in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Street Philosopher's Path 哲学の道 A stone path of about 2 km along a canal of the Lake Biwa Canal system, between Ginkaku-ji and the Nanzen-ji area. Free entry 45 min 8 min walk
- Temple Honen-in 法然院 A small temple a short walk east of the Philosopher's Path, entered through a thatched gate between raked sand mounds. Free entry 20 min 12 min walk
- Temple Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji) 永観堂 A Jodo sect temple north of Nanzen-ji known for its autumn colours, its hillside Tahoto pagoda and a statue of the Amida Buddha with his head turned to the side. Paid entry 1 h 15 min walk
- Temple Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 Head temple of one of the schools of Rinzai Zen, at the foot of the Higashiyama hills. Paid entry 1 h 7 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026