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.

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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.

Orientation in Kyoto

hours and fees

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:30 from December to mid March)
Admission: 500 Yen

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 942
Users who have been to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion): 326

6th of 41 most visited sights in Kyoto.
26th of 430 most visited sights nationwide.

VIDEO Kyoto - Beyond Gion Look around and explore beyond the downtown geisha districts.

hotels & ryokan

Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. 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. Ryokan Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various English tours of Kyoto and surroundings. Atlas Japan Tour Customized tours emphasizing cultural experiences and communication to find real Japan. Education and exchange program available.

english links

japanese links