Ginkaku-ji, the Higashiyama Jisho, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple in eastern Kyoto. In 1482, taking inspiration from his grandfather’s retirement villa, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his own retirement villa in Eastern Kyoto, in the place now known as Ginkaku-ji. Much like Kinkaku-ji, following the death of Yoshimasa, his retirement home became a Zen temple.
Ironically, despite being nicknamed, the ‘Silver Pavilion’, Ginkaku-ji is believed to have never have been covered in silver.
It is believed that it was because of how the Ginkaku-ji contrasted the Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji) which resulted in the nickname. While another explaination is that the lacquer used to stain and protect the wooden structure gives it a silver sheen when hit with the right lighting.
Today, the Ginkaku-ji grounds contain the Silver Pavilion, several other temple buildings and a garden complex. Other notable buildings are the Hondo, and the Togudo. The Hondo is the main hall, which has ancient paintings painted on sliding doors. The Togudo is the only other temple building on the premises. Togudo dates back several hundred years. To preserve the features of both Hondo and Togudo, restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of the historical artifacts, and they are not usually open for public viewing.
A notable attraction aside from the Silver pavilion is the Sea of Silver Sand, which is a perfectly manicured dry sand garden. It is quite a spectacle to see.
Like many historic attractions in Japan, Ginkaku-ji has had it’s fair share of fires and earthquakes that posed a significant threat to the historic site. Fortunately, the Silver Temple has remained intact despite the natural disasters.
Yoshimasa was passionate about art and developing culture. This resulted in his retirement home playing a significant role of developing and refining traditional art forms that are still influencing the famous Japanese culture to this day. Among the art forms practices here, tea ceremony, poetry, architecture, flower arrangements and Noh Theatre.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (March - November) | 9:00am - 4:30pm (December - February)
- 500JPY
- Average Time Spent:
- Official Website
Accessing Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji is slightly less accessible than other popular attractions in Kyoto. However, it can still be done. The Kyoto city bus route 5,17 and 100 all go close to Ginkaku-ji. From Kyoto Station, this will take close to 40 minutes, and cost 230JPY one way.
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