Ginkaku-ji, known as the Silver Pavilion, was built in 1482 as the residence of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa.

In reality, however, this pavilion is mostly wooden and is not covered in real silver the way the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji is covered in real gold.

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

Located in the eastern part of Kyoto, it looks much quieter than the Golden Pavilion. The main strength of the place is not in the building itself, but in the gardens.

I really enjoyed the walk through the beautiful Japanese Zen gardens and still draw energy from the visit. Incredibly peaceful atmosphere.

View the 10 best hotels in Kyoto

Silver Pavilion and Gardens

The grounds of Ginkaku-ji consist of:

• Silver Pavilion (you can only see the outside, you cannot enter the interior)
• Iconic dry sand garden with a cone-shaped formation
• a large moss garden with paths
• viewing point above the complex

The tour is one-way and takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Is it worth visiting Ginkaku-ji?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want a Zen garden with a sophisticated composition
• you are looking for a quieter alternative to the Golden Pavilion
• you plan to explore the eastern part of the city

❌ Not likely, unless:

• you are expecting a monumental Kiyomizu-dera type structure
• you only have 1 day in Kyoto
• you want a significant "wow effect" at first sight

💡 Alternative :

If you want a more dramatic visual experience, consider Kinkaku-ji. If you're tempted by the city views and monumental terrace, Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari are better choices.

Ginkaku-ji is more subtle. But the gardens are among the prettiest in all of Kyoto, and I was delighted here. If you have at least 2 hours of free time, I would definitely recommend a trip here.

• 👉 O ther beautiful gardens in Kyoto

The most common mistakes

1️⃣ Come just for the building itself
The main value of Ginkaku-ji is in the gardens, not the pavilion itself.

2️⃣ Walking through the grounds too quickly
The view over the complex and the moss garden are both worth a slower pace.

3️⃣ Include Ginkaku-ji in a day visit instead of the more prominent sights
If you're short on time, Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari may make more sense.

How to include Ginkaku-ji in your itinerary

Ginkaku-ji lies in the eastern part of the city and is ideally combined with:

• The Philosopher's Path
• Nanzen-ji
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Gion district

It's best to make a day's walking route in the eastern part of Kyoto without having to move north (Kinkaku-ji) or south (Fushimi Inari).

If you're planning a trip between Tokyo and Kyoto, also check out our city guides for Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Nara.

Entrance fees and opening hours

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

Ticket price is 500 jpy and can only be paid in cash.

Access is only allowed to 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.

• Ginkakuji - lines 102, 204
• Gion - lines EX100, 203
• Kyoto Station - lines EX100, 7, 105
• Imadegawa (Green Line subway station) - lines 102, 203
• Kyoto Imperial Palace - lines 7, 102, 203

Book a hotel in central Kyoto

Sightseeing and activities

If you want to better understand the symbolism of the Zen gardens and the historical context of the Muromachi period, a guided tour of the eastern part of Kyoto may make sense.

Guided tours should ideally be booked at least a day in advance and prices range from 9 500 jpy to 18 000 jpy depending on whether the tour is private or takes place with multiple participants.

View tours in Kyoto - GetYourGuide.com

Accommodation in Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji is outside the main hotel zones, so it's usually more practical to stay closer to the centre or near Kyoto Station.

Find a hotel in Kyoto by location

For more recommendations by neighborhood, see the Kyoto Accommodation section.

FAQ - Ginkaku-ji

Is Ginkaku-ji less crowded than Kinkaku-ji?
Usually yes, but it's still a popular place. It tends to be quietest in the morning right after opening hours.

How long does it take to visit?
Approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the pace.

Is it possible to enter the building?
No, visitors are restricted to the outside route only.

Is Ginkaku-ji a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is part of the UNESCO-listed historical sites of Kyoto.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Kyoto.