Ginkakuji is 67% Kids-Friendly
What are the highlights at Ginkakuji (with kids)?
- Count concentric rings in the Sand Garden for a fun family game
- Hike to the hillside terrace for a panoramic Kyoto view
- Sip matcha with wagashi sweets at the on-site tea room
- Stroll part of the Philosopher’s Path along a scenic canal
- Draw garden scenes on postcards as a creative keepsake
How Kids-Friendly is Ginkakuji?
School-age children can hunt for shapes in the raked sand and race up the hill path, but touching is forbidden, paths are narrow, and there are no play zones or interactive exhibits.
Considerations for visiting Ginkakuji (with kids)
Positives:
- Free stroller parking: You can leave your stroller at the entrance gate and pick it up after your tour with no extra fee.
- Flat gravel paths: Wide, level paths in the main garden suit kids learning to balance on gravel.
Challenges:
- Uneven surfaces: Gravel and stepping stones can be tricky for strollers and young walkers.
- Limited seating: Benches are few along the hillside trail, so plan rest breaks at the tea room.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a relaxed garden walk, scavenger hunts, tea break, and a short riverside stroll on the Philosopher’s Path.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ginkakuji
Sand Garden Scavenger Hunt:
Ask kids to count the concentric rings in the Ginshadan sand sculpture shaped like Mount Fuji.
Tip: Bring a small notebook and pencil so children can record their counts.
Hillside Terrace View:
Climb the gentle slope behind the pavilion to reach a terrace overlooking the temple and Kyoto city.
Tip: Hold hands on stone steps and rest in shaded spots to keep kids comfortable.
Matcha Tea Break:
Enjoy matcha and wagashi sweets in the on-site tea room near the exit.
Tip: Arrive early to grab seating and order a shared kids’ sweet platter.
Philosopher’s Path Stroll:
Exit and turn right onto the tree-lined canal path for a calm riverside walk.
Tip: Carry bottled drinks and pause at a café midway for a quick snack.
Postcard Art:
Pick up inexpensive postcards at the gift shop and let kids draw their favorite garden scenes.
Tip: Pack colored pencils and tape to display their art when you return.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entrance fee (x2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Child entrance fee (x2) | JPY 600 |
| Matcha tea set (x4) | JPY 2,000 |
| Postcards (4) | JPY 600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,200 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Ginkakuji?
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the Philosopher’s Path. In autumn, maple leaves add red hues around the moss garden. Visit early in summer to avoid midday heat.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Ginkakuji
- Early bird: Arrive 15 minutes before opening at 8:30 AM to enjoy cooler air and fewer crowds.
- Bring a scavenger list: Print or create a simple hunt list to keep kids focused and excited during the visit.
Map of Ginkakuji
Address: 2 Ginkakujichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan
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Reviews of Ginkakuji
Joanne Chen
Higashiyama Jisho-ji is so beautiful! The garden is very delicate and peaceful! It is not very big, I entered at 9 am and finish around 9:30 am. To go around the garden, there are quite a few steps needed to climb, but it’s manageable. Wear comfortable shoes! I suggest visiting right before it opens at 8:30am or as early as 9am because it gets hot and humid close to noon time.
W T
The garden was actually quite nice. Busy but still nice. Not as big as I thought but pretty surreal to see it. But again the crowd take away from it all when you’re walking at grandma or grandpa pace due to the crowds. Would I go back there, yeah I would but probably earlier or later in the day. There is no bicycle parking. So have to park down the street near the bridge.
Andrey Lipattsev
Wonderfully serene and mind cleansing experience. Much less crowded than most other temples I've been to in Kyoto. The sand art is a special delight and this is easily my favorite Japanese garden in the world. Great little souvenir shop too with items that I haven't seen in any other one, so if you're looking for that unique set of memories from Kyoto, check it out!
Tony B
Another amazing temple in Kyoto. We went there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, thus we had the unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape with relative calm and with a perfect spring weather. The sand garden, the carefully manicured moss, the beautiful ponds and the overall serene temple environment were simply amazing.
Sharyn
This temple and garden is smaller than most in Japan but we enjoyed it thoroughly. There were less crowds so it was quite peaceful in parts which allowed for quiet reflection. The gardens were very impressive and the sand formations were absolutely spectacular! Additionally the street approaching the temple had some unique stores where we picked up some great souvenirs. We really enjoyed our morni...
About Ginkakuji
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-771-5725See available options
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