Ginkakuji

銀閣寺, or Jishoji 慈照寺

This temple, known as the Silver Pavilion and restored between 2008 and 2010, is at the northern end of the Philosopher's Walk. Much like its golden counterpart Kinkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is often choked with tourists, shuffling past a scrupulously-maintained dry landscape Zen garden and the surrounding moss garden, before posing for pictures in front of the Pavilion across a pond. Unlike its counterpart, however, the Silver Pavilion was never actually covered in silver; only the name had been applied before the plans fell apart. Be sure not to miss the display of Very Important Mosses!

• Heritage listed

• history
• outdoors

Address

Ginkakuji-chō

Getting there

nearest bus stop: Ginkakuji-michi, routes 5, 17, 32, 100, 102, 203, 204

Hours

Mar-Nov 08:30-17:00; Dec-Mar 09:00-16:30

Price

Admission ¥500

Phone

+81 0757715725

Website

shokoku-ji.jp (opens in a new tab)