Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion or Jisho-ji, is a Zen temple in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, in Japan's Kansai Region. Its address is 2 Ginkakujicho, Kyoto 606-8402, and you can reach the temple by phone at +81-75-771-5725 if you have questions before your visit.
The temple is known for its refined architecture and for its dry landscape gardens, which are among the features that draw visitors to the grounds. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, so it sits within a group of places recognised for their cultural importance.
What a visit is like
Ginkaku-ji suits a slow, attentive visit. Most of the interest lies in the setting: the buildings, the careful arrangement of the garden, and the quiet atmosphere typical of a working Zen temple. Visitors who enjoy gardens and traditional architecture will likely find the most to appreciate here.
- Allow time to walk the grounds at a leisurely pace.
- Look at the dry landscape garden, which is a central feature of the site.
- Respect the temple setting, as this is a religious site as well as a heritage attraction.
The area around it
Ginkaku-ji lies in the eastern part of Kyoto, so it can be combined with other sights in the same part of the city. Because it is one of several World Heritage sites in Kyoto, it works well as one stop in a wider day of temple and garden visits.
