Kannon-den (Ginkaku) — Attraction in Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji (officially Kannon-den), also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a serene and beautiful temple tucked into the foothills of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. While it was never actually covered in silver, the temple’s understated elegance and natural surroundings offer a quiet contrast to its more opulent counterpart, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).

The real highlight here is the garden design, which is nothing short of masterful. The moss garden, winding stone paths, and meticulously raked white sand “Sea of Silver Sand” are peaceful and contemplative. The famous sand cone, said to represent Mt. Fuji, is one of the temple’s most iconic features. A short trail leads you up a small hill for lovely views over the grounds and Kyoto city beyond.

The atmosphere is incredibly quiet, calming, and reflective, even when there are other visitors. It’s a place where you naturally slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature and simplicity.

We enjoyed the experience immensely—it felt like a true escape from the busier parts of the city. If you’re already exploring the Philosopher’s Path or in the Higashiyama area, this temple is absolutely worth the visit. Highly recommended for those who appreciate gardens, architecture, and a...

Ginkaku-ji Temple (The Silver Pavilion) is an elegant temple set in beautiful grounds at the foot of Kyoto's eastern mountains. Its grounds are an outstanding example of Japanese landscape architecture. Whether one is sitting on the landing beside the unique sand garden with its 2-metre silver cone, or walking the trail and catching glimpses of the Pavilion from different vantage points, one is constantly aware of the lovely details which move the heart. Originally designed as a retirement villa for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490) in the Muromachi Period (1338 - 1573), Ginkaku-ji Temple was modeled on its sister temple Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion). Yet Ginkaku-ji Temple was never plated with silver, and the main temple building remains an unpainted brown--and in its way, exemplifies the Japanese idea that something plain...

Silver Pavilion and surrounding zen garden are probably the most beautiful and meditative place I visited in Japan. Formally named Kannonden, the pavilion's two stories are constructed in two different architecture styles and contain a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. However, the interior of the building is not open to the public. Despite its name, the Silver Pavilion was never covered in silver. Instead, it is believed that the name arose as a nickname more than a century after the building's construction to contrast it with the Golden Pavilion. Alternatively, it is explained that moon light reflecting on the building's dark exterior (which used to be covered in black lacquer) gave it a...