Ginkakuji Temple
The Silver Pavilion Temple
Formal name : Jishoji Temple
Popular name : Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
City: Kyoto
Zip : 606
Address : 2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku
Tel : 075-771-5725
Fax : 075-771-5439
Rinzai section of the city. Built as a villa in 1482 by Ashikaga
Yoshimasa (8th shogun of the Muromachi period: 1331-1573), but later converted
to a temple. Constructed in 1489, the pavilion (a National Treasure) is
a 2-story structure with a pyramidal roof. In contrast to its golden counterpart
(Kinkakuji Temple), it was never covered in silver. Yoshimasa died before
this was accomplished. Togudo (a National Treasure), in the northern part
of the garden, is the only structure untouched by fire. It contains a 4.5-tatami
mat Tearoom that is believed to be the prototype of Japanese Tearooms.
The lower garden, with its impressive sand mounds, is a Place of Special
Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site. In December 1994, Ginkakuji
Temple was registered as part of the World Cultural Heritage.
Transport &
Access : Keihan Railway: Demachiyanagi Stn.
City Bus: Ginkakujimichi stop -walk 10 min.; City Bus; Ginkakujimae
stop -walk 5 min.
Access by Wheelchair : Mostly, although there are some steep, inaccessible
sections.
Admission Times / Hours Open : 8:30 - 17:00
Time Needed for Tour : About 40 min.
Days Closed / Facilities Closed : Open daily
Other
Hours are 9:00 -16:30 from December 1-March 14
How to make a reservations : Reservation needed to visit Togudo, the
Shoin, & to view the sliding door paintings in the Main Hall. Admission
to Rosei-tei, Shoin + Tea (at least 5 persons: \5000 + \500 temple admission)
