Ginkaku-ji - Helpful Travel Guide for Kyoto Visitors


Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple located at the base of Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama).

Ginkaku-ji temple complex has :

1). the Silver Pavilion (Kannon Hall),

2). few other smaller buildings,

3). small water ponds,

4). a moss garden and

5). the beautiful unique dry sand garden called "Sea of Silver Sand".

Ginkaku-ji temple complex has a loop route with a small hike with viewpoints that go along all attractions inside the Ginkaku-ji temple complex.

More useful information below in this GinKaku-Ji Temple Guide for visitors to Kyoto, Japan.

 

Ginkaku-ji Address

 

2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan

Ginkaku-ji Address in Japanese : 左京区銀閣寺町2

 

Ginkaku-ji Admission and Hours

Ginkaku-ji Admission Fee :

General Admission - 500 Yen/ adult

Up to Junior High School - 300 Yen/ Kid

Ginkaku-ji Hours :

08:30AM - 5:00PM - Mar 1st - Nov 30th

09:00AM - 4:30PM - Dec 1st - Feb 28th

 

Getting to Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto

 

From JR Kyoto station to Ginkaku-ji :

- Take bus #5 or #10 or #100 to Ginkaku-ji-michi Stop

- Follow signs from Bus Stop and walk to Ginkaku-ji temple

- Takes about 8-10 minutes (by walk) from the bus stop to Ginkaku-ji

 

Recommendation and Tips for visiting Ginkaku-ji

 

• Wear good shoes and bring water as the Ginkaku-ji temple complex loop route has a small hike.

• Shop at the stores outside the main gate. They tend to be cheaper. Great place for souvenirs and trinkets.

• This area is extremely busy and crowded. If possible go early and on weekdays!

 

Website

 

In Japanese - Ginkaku-Ji Temple Website

Kyoto Morning Tour: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle - $66.00

Soak up temple and palace sights on this half-day guided city tour, great for those who want to see Kyoto’s top attractions in a short time. Travel by coach in the morning and visit UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle and the gold-covered Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) with an informative guide. Then wander through the Kyoto Imperial Palace — home to the emperor until 1868 — and see how royalty lived.