What is Ginkaku-ji?

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Officially named Jisho-ji, this temple is renowned for its understated beauty and is a quintessential example of “wabi-sabi” aesthetics—the appreciation of subtlety and impermanence. Though it was never actually covered in silver, Ginkaku-ji was designed to be a counterpart to the golden Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

Ginkaku-ji sits at the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path, making it a perfect starting or ending point for a peaceful walk through Kyoto’s temple-dotted eastern hills.

History of the Temple

Ginkakuji, officially called Jisho-ji, was originally built in 1482 as a retirement villa by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi period. Deeply drawn to art and beauty, Yoshimasa designed the villa to reflect the refined simplicity that would later define the Higashiyama culture. After his death, the residence was converted into a Zen temple, named after his Buddhist posthumous title.

Although Yoshimasa wasn’t known as a strong ruler, his passion for aesthetics left a lasting mark. Under his patronage, cultural traditions like the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and Noh theater flourished—many of which are still admired today.

In 1550, a battle nearby led to a fire that destroyed much of the temple complex. Only two original structures survived: the Silver Pavilion (Kannon-den) and the Tōgudō hall. The temple remained in disrepair until the early Edo period, when a samurai official named Miyagi Toyomori led its restoration. From that point on, Ginkakuji took its current form as a peaceful Zen temple.

Today, over 500 years later, Yoshimasa’s artistic vision still lives on in the temple’s graceful buildings and tranquil gardens.

Temple Grounds & Garden Highlights

Ginkaku-ji’s temple grounds are a masterclass in traditional Japanese design, blending architecture, gardens, and nature into a serene experience.

Kannon-den (The Silver Pavilion)

The temple’s most iconic structure is the Silver Pavilion, formally known as Kannon-den. Despite its name, it was never covered in silver leaf. Instead, the name reflects a conceptual balance with the gold-covered Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), built by Yoshimasa’s grandfather.

The pavilion has two levels, each representing a different architectural style. The lower floor, Shinkū-den (Hall of the Empty Mind), is built in the simple residential style of the time. The upper floor, Chōon-kaku (Wave Sound Pavilion), adopts a Chinese-influenced Zen temple style. Together, they symbolize a fusion of secular and spiritual beauty.

Designated as a National Treasure, the pavilion sits gracefully beside a reflective pond, offering one of Kyoto’s most photogenic views—especially during early morning or late afternoon light.

The Sand Garden

In front of the pavilion lies one of the most unusual and iconic features of Ginkakuji: the white sand garden, composed of two striking elements.

• Ginshadan (銀沙灘): A meticulously raked “Sea of Silver Sand,” said to reflect moonlight and provide a serene, rippling texture to the temple grounds.
• Kōgetsudai (向月台): A conical mound of white sand, whose name means “Moon-Viewing Platform.” Its precise form is often interpreted as a stylized Mount Fuji or a symbol of spiritual ascent.

Together, these features embody the Zen idea of beauty through minimalism, inviting quiet reflection rather than spectacle.

Moss Garden & Scenic Path

Beyond the pavilion, the path through the moss garden winds past stone lanterns, stepping stones, and ancient trees. The garden’s design encourages a slow, meditative walk, where visitors can pause and appreciate details like the texture of moss or the sound of water.

A gentle slope leads up to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire temple complex and Kyoto’s eastern hills. Especially in autumn or spring, the blend of architecture, seasonal colors, and silence is unforgettable.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1994, Ginkakuji was designated as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its modest scale, its artistic and cultural influence is profound. Ginkakuji’s design helped define the wabi-sabi aesthetic still deeply associated with Japanese architecture, gardens, and lifestyle today.

How to Get There

• From Kyoto Station: Take bus #5, #17, or #100 to the Ginkakuji-michi stop (approx. 35–45 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the temple.
• From Demachiyanagi Station: Take the Eizan Line and transfer to a bus or walk 30 minutes.
• Ginkaku-ji is also easily reached on foot from the Philosopher’s Path if coming from Nanzen-ji or Eikan-do.

Quick Q&A – Ginkaku-ji Travel Tips

Visitor Info

Location:
2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan
Located at the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, near the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path.

Opening Hours:
• 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Winter hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (from December to February)
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Admission:
• ¥500 for adults
• ¥300 for students (elementary to high school)

Language Support:
• Basic English signage available

Facilities:
• Restrooms available near the entrance
• Small souvenir shop near the exit

Official Website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/ginkakuji/