Established in the late-15^th century, Ginkaku-ji or the ‘Silver Pavilion’ was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Modelled on Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the villa was repurposed as a temple following Yoshimasa’s death in 1490. Today, Ginkaku-ji houses a statue of Kannon – Goddess of Mercy – and though not as spectacular as Kinkaku-ji, the temple is well-worth visiting. Ginkaku-ji is part of the larger Higashiyama Joshi-ji temple complex; a complex that includes a number of other temple buildings and landscaped gardens.

1 Day Tour

Bamboo Artistry and Zen Serenity: A Day of Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto
Period	All year round
Time	09:00-16:30
Meeting Place	JR Kyoto Station
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥13,000

Discover the rich heritage of Kyoto’s Kitayama district, where serene temples, tea houses, and beautiful gardens capture the essence of traditional culture. Delve into Kyoto’s bamboo tradition, from its role in tea utensils to craftwork and architecture. Join us on this journey through timeless beauty and cultural depth!

Of particular note, the temple is known for its unique sand garden and tranquil moss garden. Paths lead through the two gardens before climbing the hill behind the temple from where you can look back over the complex and Ginkaku-ji.