The Ginkakuji (or Silver Pavillon) is a Zen temple located in the hills on the eastern edge of Koyto. While the temple is stunning it is the garden(s) that make this a must visit if you are ever in Kyoto. It seems as though any stress or care you have or ever had melts away once you step into the... More

The temple ia kind of replica of world famous golden pavilion. Only 2 stories compared to 3 stories building - golden pavilion plus not silver in reality. So the temple isnt much interesting anyhow the zen garden of it offer great set up and also nice atmosphere.

Lovely setting, very humble and modest building with a lovely feeling about it, the sand-raked zen garden was magnificent, and the walk through the hillside garden was calming and beautiful.

There is one building which is not silver and a garden area and that is it, visit the Golden pavilion and you will see the difference.

I preferred it from the Kinkakuyi (Gold Temple) as it cover all the Path of Philosophy and it is an excellent walking tour, under the cherry trees, passing other various Temples in the East side of Kyoto

The temple is pretty and forms a lovely "prop" for photographs, but it is the garden that is the real attraction. All Japanese gardens are enchanting, but this one is exceptional. The Zen sand garden is stunning and the steep backdrop of the wet garden with the ponds, waterfalls, bridges and moss covered slopes, makes this an experience not to... More

There are so many temples in Kyoto- trying to narrow down which ones to see is a real challenge. Whilst not necessarily in my top 5 temples, I would still go and visit the silver Pavilion if you have time and plan on walking along the Philosopher's Path. The walk up the street to arrive at the temple is lovely... More

I left a bit disappointed and do not understand why is this temple so highly rated. Perhaps because I had first visited Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavillion). It is not even made of silver, and a bit far from other attractions. I would still go (not bad), but as a first attraction to see.

Silver Pavilion had a special quality. I love Japanese gardens as a rule, but this one excelled for me. Perhaps it was the huge, central, sand sculpture that set up a magic of the place. Going uphill also gave more dimension to the garden scene. At the end of our walk we paused to meditate near a man building a... More