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Ginkakuji TemplevsKinkakuji Temple
Both are recommended by writers. On balance, Ginkaku-ji Temple is the choice of most writers compared to Kinkakuji Temple. Ginkaku-ji Temple is ranked #2 in Kyoto with endorsements from 5 reviewers like Lonely Planet, Concierge and Frommer's.
Ginkakuji Temple
Fodor's
Concierge
Michelin Guide
Frommer's
2 Ginkakuji-cho Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8402
From $0/night
Fodor's "The Temple of the Silver Pavilion... is an exercise in elegance and restraint." Full review
Concierge "Breathtakingly modern though half a millennium old, its sculpted sand garden would transport anyone into a Zen state (if not for the crowds)."
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
" It is cited as an example of "East Mountain" culture, combining aesthetic concepts related to the Zen philosophy with a hint of wabi-sabi (refined simplicity). The garden is magnificent." Full review
Frommer's "Ginkakuji, considered one of the more beautiful structures in Kyoto, was built in 1482 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa." Full review
Kinkakuji Temple Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
U.S. News & World Report Frommer's
1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361
From $0/night
Fodor's "Possibly the world's most ostentatious retirement cottage, the magnificent gold-sheathed Kinkaku-ji was built by Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (1358–1409)." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A 14th-century Gold Pavilion." Full review
U.S. News & World Report10.0
"Its top two floors swathed in gold leaf, the Golden Pavilion sits pretty in Kyoto's northern reaches, overlooking the glassy surface of Mirror Lake...what now stands is a replica of Kinkaku-ji" Full review
Frommer's "Features a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf with a roof topped by a bronze phoenix." Full review
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Be sure to explore the surrounding park with its moss-covered grounds and teahouses.
