All places on the map· Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji
Sight4.5 · 17 7424.4 · 4 701≈ 1 h 8 minEntry: ~500 JPY3.2 km from the center
Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a celebrated 15th-century Zen temple set against Kyoto's eastern Higashiyama mountains. Built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it became the cradle of Higashiyama culture and wabi-sabi aesthetics. Visitors admire the elegant Kannon-den pavilion, the meticulously raked sand garden of Ginshadan, the conical Kogetsudai sand mound, and quiet stone pathways winding through a lush hillside moss garden.
Highlights
- Historic 15th-century two-story Kannon-den pavilion beside a reflecting pond
- Meticulously raked dry sand sea of Ginshadan and conical Kogetsudai mound
- Serene hillside walking trail through moss gardens with sweeping Kyoto views
Opening hours
| Mon | 08:30 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Wed | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Thu | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Fri | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Sat | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Sun | 08:30 – 17:00 |
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