basic information

Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto's Higashiyama ("eastern mountains"). The temple is formally known as Tozan Jishoji.

In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple. A few years later, the Silver Pavilion, modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), was constructed. Plans to cover the pavilion in silver were never realized. The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death in 1490.

Construction Notice: The main building of Ginkakuji is currently being renovated and covered by a scaffold. Works are scheduled to be completed by spring 2010. The rest of the garden is not affected by the renovation works and can still make for a pleasant visit.

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how to get there

Ginkakuji can be accessed by direct bus number 5, 17 or 100 from Kyoto Station. Alternatively, you can reach Ginkakuji by foot along the Path of Philosophy from Nanzenji.

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hours and fees

Hours:	8:30 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:30 from December to February)
Closed:	No closing days.
Admission:	500 yen

news and reports

	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion):
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1959
Users who have been to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion): 649

6th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
29th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion):

japan-guide.com Rating:		best of Japan
User Rating (by 377 users):	86/100	recommended

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hotels & ryokan

Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Ryokan Saka-no-ue Traditional, cozy ryokan with 12 rooms. Japanese cottage style houses available. Located near Yasaka Shrine and Gion. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

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