Ginkakuji Temple (Jisho-ji) Video Introduction

Ginkakuji Temple (official name: Jisho-ji), located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
The video "Ginkakuji Temple (Jisho-ji)" introduces its charm in a beautifully filmed presentation.

From the very beginning (00:00), viewers are greeted with scenes of bamboo fences, stone walls, and gently winding paths. The sight of the grounds, with visitors strolling quietly to the accompaniment of the soft sounds of birds, leaves a lasting impression.

Highlights such as the Ginsadan (Silver Sand Terrace), a moss-covered garden, and a waterfall with soothing sounds are beautifully captured starting at (01:12). By the end of the video, you may feel as though you’ve actually walked through the site.

What is Ginkakuji, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward?

Ginkakuji is a Zen temple built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Its official name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji.

Alongside Kinkakuji (Rokuon-ji), this temple is highly regarded. It originated as Yoshimasa’s retirement villa, the “Higashiyama Palace,” and was later converted into a Zen temple after his death.

Photo: Kannon Hall at Ginkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto

At the heart of the complex is the Kannon Hall, commonly known as the “Silver Pavilion.” Despite the name, no silver leaf was used. Its subdued elegance symbolizes Higashiyama culture.

In 1994, it was designated as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
The Kannon Hall (Silver Pavilion), the central structure of teh temple, was also designated a National Treasure in 1951 for its architectural value as a masterwork from the Muromachi period.

Garden Aesthetics at Their Finest: Highlights of Ginkakuji

Photo: Ginsadan at Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto

The artistic beauty of Ginsadan and Kogetsudai
The Ginsadan, a dry landscape garden made of white sand, is one of the temple’s most iconic features. Designed to reflect moonlight, at night it conveys a mystical, otherwordly scene. The adjacent Kogetsudai is believed to have been built for moon viewing.

Photo: Kannon Hall and Kogetsudai at Ginkakuji Temple, a UNESCO site in Kyoto

These spots are popular for taking impressive photos. The patterns in the white sand change subtly with the light, offering something new with each visit.

The serene moss garden and pond
One of the first sights upon entering is the lush moss garden. Although moss thrives in shade and moisture, at Ginkakuji it spreads like a green carpet, perfectly maintained to offer a tranquil setting.

Photo: Moss at Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto

The color of the moss subtly changes with the seasons, with fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, brown mingled with fallen leaves in autumn, and a frosty silver hue in winter. Each season brings a unique atmosphere.

Walking through the gardens, you may feel transported to a mental oasis, as if even the very air and atmosphere are different. It's a calming escape from daily life.

The beauty of tradition found in the details
Ginkakuji’s appeal goes beyond famous structures. Its true appeal lies in the refined beauty of the details that captivate visitors.

For example, a small waterfall in the garden appears around (01:12) in the video. Its gentle sound blends imperceptibly with the moss-covered rocks and trees, creating a serene sense of harmony with nature.

Photo: Sengetsusen at Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto

Along the paths are small stone bridges and delicately woven bamboo fences that softly divide garden spaces. These details draw attention the more you look. Seasonal plants and red-berried shrubs add subtle accents to the greenery.

Though these may seem like minor elements, they play vital roles in Japanese gardens. Their restrained yet captivating beauty reflects the essence of *wabi-sabi*, the Japanese aesthetic of imperfection and impermanence.

Stone lanterns and moss-covered steps along the path reveal something new with each step, like turning the pages of a picture scroll with your own feet.

Visitor Information: Access and Admission

To reach Ginkakuji, take a city bus from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line) to “Ginkakuji-mae,” which takes about 10 minutes. From the bus stop, it's about a 5-minute walk.
Walking along the Philosopher's Path is also recommended, offering seasonal scenery and a peaceful pace.

Admission Fees
Adults: 500 yen, Elementary/Middle School Students: 300 yen

Opening Hours
Open year-round
8:30–17:00 (March–November)
9:00–16:30 (December–February)
Plan to spend around 40 minutes to 1 hour. Mornings are generally less crowded and more serene.

Nearby Attractions

Philosopher’s Path

Photo: Philosopher’s Path in spring, Kyoto

The Philosopher’s Path extends south from Ginkakuji along a canal lined with cherry trees. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and fallen leaves cover the path in autumn. It’s known as the path walked by philosopher Nishida Kitaro and offers beautiful seasonal scenes.

Eikando Temple & Nanzenji Temple Area

Photo: Autumn light-up at Eikando Temple, Kyoto

Within a 15–20 minute walk are Eikando, renowned for autumn foliage, and Nanzenji, famous for its aqueduct. Both are historic Zen temples, with exquisite gardens and architecture, making them ideal to visit along with Ginkakuji.

Traditional Kyoto Cuisine
Around Ginkakuji, you’ll find long-established restaurants serving dishes like yudofu (hot tofu), namafu dengaku, and Kyoto vegetables. Enjoying lunch in a calm Japanese-style setting is the perfect break during your visit.

Voices from Visitors: Discovering the Appeal of Ginkakuji

Highlights Shared in Reviews

Reviews include comments like “More peaceful than expected, it was spiritually refreshing” and “Every view was so beautiful, I couldn’t stop taking pictures.”

International visitors also praise it, saying it’s “a place to experience the spirit of Zen” and “one of the most serene temples in Kyoto.”

A Photographer’s Paradise

From Ginsadan to the Kannon Hall and pond reflections, Ginkakuji offers numerous photo-worthy scenes. Seasonal changes, such as the autumn leaves, spring greenery, and winter snow, make for stunning photographs year-round.

The best time for photography is in the morning when the angled sunlight creates especially beautiful effects.

Conclusion: A World of Tranquility that Embodies Japanese Culture

Ginkakuji is more than a tourist attraction. It embodies the Japanese aesthetic of *wabi-sabi* and offers new insights and calm with each visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ginkakuji—a place where you can step away from daily noise and restore your spirit.

Access and Official Information

Address: 2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-771-5725
Official Website:
https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/ginkakuji/