The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)（銀閣寺 （慈照寺））
The Silver Pavilion and the Spirit of Wabi-Sabi in Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), also known as the Silver Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. Located on the city’s eastern hills, it was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the grandson of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who commissioned the famous Kinkaku-ji. While its golden counterpart shines with opulence, Ginkaku-ji reflects the quiet elegance of Wabi-Sabi—the beauty of imperfection and transience.
Yoshimasa originally intended to coat the pavilion in silver leaf, but the plan was abandoned due to the disruptions of the Ōnin War (1467–1477) and the Shōgun’s constant refinements to the design. In a 2008 renovation, the idea of finally applying silver was again considered—but ultimately rejected to preserve the building’s expression of refined simplicity.
The pavilion was built as Yoshimasa’s retirement villa, a space for quiet contemplation, artistic exploration, and Zen practice. He is said to have personally selected the stones for the pond garden, reflecting his deep aesthetic sensitivity. Though he lacked political strength, Yoshimasa left a lasting cultural legacy through his support for tea ceremony, poetry, and garden design.
Imagine him strolling through the moss-covered paths, enjoying a bowl of tea prepared by his tea master, or meditating in stillness with a view of the sand garden and the quiet pond.
Read more in our eBook!
Ginkaku-ji Garden Guide
This eBook offers insights into the design, symbolism, and history of Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto.
Perfect for lovers of Japanese gardens, Zen aesthetics, and cultural heritage.
Learn more before you visit—or revisit from home.
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
Bus: From Kyōto station, take bus number 5, 17 or 100 and get off at the Ginkaku-ji bus stop (35min).
By foot: If you prefer to experience Kyōto by foot, take a walk on the pittoresque Philosopher’s Path (30min from Nanzen-ji).
Address
- EN: 〒606-8402, Sakyō-Ku, Ginkaku-ji-Chō 2
- JP: 〒606-8402, 京都市左京区銀閣寺町2
Opening times
- March – November: 8:30 – 17:00
- December – February: 9:00 – 16:30
Times may change during special exhibits.
Admission fee
- Adults: 500 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 300 yen
Fees may change during special exhibits.
Facilities & Accessibility
- The temple buildings, except the Silver Pavilion which is always closed, are only open to the public during special openings in spring and autumn.
- There is no public parking lot belonging to the temple.
- Gift Shop available
- Ginkaku-ji is partly barrier-free.
Best time to visit
- In April/May during azalea bloom.
- Rest of the year for the dry landscape garden.
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