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Ginkakuji Temple, Sakyo

4.3

#6 of 611 in Historic Sites in Kyoto

Religious Site Tourist Spot

• ©

Originally built as 15th-century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa's retirement villa, Ginkakuji Temple stands as a testament to developing Higashiyama culture, of which the shogun was a patron. Admire the so-called Silver Pavilion's unfinished aspect, typical of the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes transience. The building has survived intact through earthquakes and fires that required the reconstruction of other structures on site. While you cannot enter the pavilion, circumnavigate the temple's grounds, including a moss garden and dry sand garden, to appreciate its careful layout. Ginkakuji Temple is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , custom trip planner Edition.

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Ginkakuji Temple Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4,582 reviews

• By Thomas B

  Ginkakujicho is magical. While there were crowds at Kinkakujicho, Ginkakujicho’s temples, gardens and walkways are more peaceful, sublime and beautiful. A visit to Kyoto is always...  more »

• By bariatricrunner

  This is the Silver Temple. It was build by the brother of the person who build the Golden Temple. The gardens and ponds are just magical and the climb to the top of the mountain provide excellent...  more »

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