Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
Open by month
Open in January. No seasonal closure recorded. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): open.
Open in February. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in March. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in April. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in May. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in June. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in July. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in August. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in September. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in October. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in November — at its best. Autumn leaves, mid to late November.
Open in December. No seasonal closure recorded. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): open.
Checked against the official site on 2026-10-12.
A Zen temple built from a shogun's retreat, with a two-story pavilion, raked sand cone and a moss garden path up the hill.
World Cultural Heritage
Too crowded? Similar but quieter: Rurikoin Temple
Nearby
- Philosopher's Path ≈ 10 min by car
- Nanzen-ji Temple ≈ 20 min by car
- Shimogamo Shrine ≈ 20 min by car
- Omi Jingu Shrine ≈ 20 min by car
- Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji) ≈ 20 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Best time
- November — Autumn leaves, mid to late November
- Getting there
- City bus to Ginkakuji-michi, then a short walk
- Fee
- ¥1,000
- Good to know
- Fee rose from ¥500 to ¥1,000 in April 2026
- Time needed
- 30 min
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-12. Report outdated info