Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in Kyoto. Built-in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, a shogun from the Muromachi period, it was intended as a retirement villa. Despite the name, the pavilion is not silver. The name originated from a plan to cover the structure in silver foil, a plan that was never realized.

The temple complex includes the Silver Pavilion, gardens, and other buildings. The pavilion itself is a two-story structure, with the upper floor designed in the style of a Chinese temple. The gardens are a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. The dry sand garden, known as the "Sea of Silver Sand," is meticulously raked to represent waves, and the sand mound called the "Moon Viewing Platform" is a focal point.

The moss garden features a pond, islands, bridges, and streams, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Ginkaku-ji played a crucial role in the development of the Higashiyama culture, which influenced tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), Noh theater, and garden design.

Today, Ginkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors who appreciate its historical significance and tranquil beauty. The temple is a testament to the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity and imperfection.

Hours:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Summer)

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Winter)

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

500 yen for (Adults)

300 yen for (Children up to junior high school age)