Ginkakuji Temple was built as a retirement villa in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th Muromachi Shogunate. The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death in 1490
The Kannon hall is the main building at the temple. It is popularly known as Ginkaku, the Silver Pavilion. It is said that the intention was to cover it in silver, but this never happened, therefore it is actually a simple wooden structure.
In addition to that building, the temple features wooded grounds covered with a variety of mosses, and a Japanese garden. There is also a pathway that leads up a small hill where you can gain different views of Ginkakuji and part of the city below.
In 1994 Ginkakuji was registered on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Times and Prices
Admission: 500 Yen
Hours: 08:30 - 17:00 (Mid March to Nov) / 09:00 - 16:30 ( Dec to Mid March)
Location
North east of Kyoto
How to Get There
City bus No 5. Get off at Ginkakuji-michi
Alternatively, you can reach Ginkakuji by foot along the Path of Philosophy from Nanzenji
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