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Ryoanji TemplevsGinkakuji Temple
Both are praised by travel writers. On balance, Ginkaku-ji Temple ranks significantly higher than Ryoanji Temple. Ginkaku-ji Temple scores 94 with endorsements from 5 sources like Michelin Guide, Fodor's and Frommer's.
Ryoanji Temple
Fodor's
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8001
From $0/night
Fodor's "The solemn stones set into the sand at Ryoan-ji's rock garden has become one of Japan's quintessential images." Full review
U.S. News & World Report5.0
"Every day, hundreds of people visit Ryoanji Temple to see its Zen rock garden – which is probably the most famous of its kind in Japan." Full review
Frommer's "Home to what is probably the most famous Zen rock garden in all of Japan." Full review
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After visiting the rock garden, be sure to take a walk around the temple grounds.
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
