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Kyoto Imperial Palace vs Ginkakuji Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Ginkaku-ji Temple are both highly recommended by writers. Overall, Ginkaku-ji Temple scores significantly higher than Kyoto Imperial Palace. Ginkaku-ji Temple comes in at #2 in Kyoto with accolades from 5 reviews like Fodor's, Frommer's and Concierge.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
3 Kyoto-Gyoen Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0881
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"The present structure dates from 1855. It's hardly palatial, though fine in its way; the ingenious cypress-bark roof is particularly attractive."
Full review
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You can usually arrange a same-day visit by showing your passport at the office in the park's northwest corner, or you can make a request online.
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The first Imperial Palace was built in 794 and since then has been burned down and rebuilt a total of 16 times."
Full review
Frommer's
"The palace shows the restful designs of the peaceful Heian Period, and the emperor's private garden is graceful."
Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"The surrounding Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is open to the public from dawn to dusk and can be visited freely."
Full review
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
