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Ginkakuji Temple, Sakyo

4.3

#6 of 609 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, Kyoto Edition.

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Ginkakuji Temple Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4,542 reviews

• By imeldad946

  There are so many temples and shrines in Kyoto but this is the must visit. The Zen stone garden is superb and the gardens so tranquil.  more »

• By 451walterk

  Unschwer zu erkennen, dass es sich bei dieser Anlage um ein Stück Weltkulturerbe handelt: der Andrang ist entsprechend und ich habe noch an keinem Ort in Japan (Flughafen ausgenommen) so viele europäi...  more »

  It is easy to see that this facility is a world heritage site: the crowd is corresponding and I have not yet seen so many European faces in any place in Japan (airport except) as here. But the rush is understandable, because the location and garden are simply indescribably beautiful, especially now in autumn.
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