Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Nestled amidst Kyoto's serene eastern mountains, Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, stands as a monument to Japan's subtle beauty and profound cultural depth. Unlike its golden counterpart, Kinkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion dazzles not through opulence but with its understated elegance and the tranquil beauty of its gardens.

Initially constructed in 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a retirement villa, it was later transformed into a Zen temple, becoming a cornerstone for the development of Japanese cultural practices such as the tea ceremony, ink painting, and the noh theater, marking the birth of the Higashiyama Culture. The pavilion itself, never coated in silver, is believed to have earned its name from the ethereal glow of moonlight on its dark exterior.

This site encapsulates the essence of wabi-sabi, the impermanent, humble beauty aesthetic. The temple complex, with its meticulously maintained sand and moss gardens, designed by the renowned landscape artist Soami, and its architectural features offer a tranquil retreat where one can witness the seamless blend of art, culture, and nature. Ginkaku-ji is not just a temple but a testament to medieval Japan's artistic sensibilities and philosophical depths, inviting visitors to ponder the fleeting beauty of life​​​​​​.

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)