I stayed in Osaka during my recent trip to Japan, not because I didn’t love Kyoto, but because Kyoto’s hotel prices can seriously eat into your travel budget, especially in peak seasons like autumn. So instead of spending more for a place to sleep, I planned a peaceful morning getaway from Osaka to Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto—and I’m so glad I did.
The Journey Begins
I took an early train bound for Kyoto using the Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass I bought on Klook. This pass saved me a good chunk of transportation costs, and it made moving around between the two cities feel much more flexible. I got off at Demachiyanagi Station, which is relatively close to Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion.
Now, I could’ve taken a quick bus ride from there, and honestly, it would’ve been faster. But I was in no rush. The crisp morning air, the quiet streets, and the local neighborhood charm were too tempting to pass up. So, I walked.
And I didn’t regret it at all.
But, If you’re coming from Osaka and want a more scenic way to reach Ginkaku-ji, I highly recommend arriving in Kyoto a bit earlier and starting your walk from Nanzenji Temple or Eikando, then following the famous Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi).
To do this, just take the train to Keage Station via the Tozai Line—it’s about an hour from Osaka depending on your route. From Keage, it’s a short walk to Nanzenji, where you can begin the peaceful stroll.
The path runs alongside a quiet canal lined with trees, charming old houses, and small local cafes. In autumn, the trail is especially beautiful with maple leaves in every shade of red and gold.
It usually takes around 30–40 minutes to walk the whole path, depending on how often you stop to admire the scenery. The trail ends conveniently near Ginkakuji, so you can enjoy the temple after a calming and picturesque morning walk.
A Quiet Arrival at Ginkaku-ji
By the time I reached the temple grounds, the entrance area was still quiet. I paid the admission fee, stepped through the gates—and immediately felt the calm settle in. If you’ve ever visited a tourist site early in the morning, you’ll know what I mean. There’s something magical about arriving before the crowds. It’s like the place belongs only to you.
A Glimpse into the Past
Ginkakuji was originally built in the late 1400s as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and it was later converted into a Zen temple. Despite being called the “Silver Pavilion,” it’s never actually been covered in silver. Instead, it was meant to contrast with the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), reflecting a more subtle, understated beauty known as wabi-sabi—the appreciation of imperfection and transience.
Inside the complex, you’ll find a beautifully raked Zen sand garden, mossy walkways, and the famous Silver Pavilion itself surrounded by tall trees and ponds. Each step you take seems to quiet the mind a little more.
Autumn Leaves That Glow
Because I came in autumn, the timing couldn’t have been better. The momiji (maple leaves) had turned into brilliant shades of crimson, orange, and yellow, gently rustling in the morning breeze. It felt like the whole garden was painted in warm light. With fewer visitors around, I could really take my time and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Every corner of Ginkaku-ji looked like it belonged on a postcard, from the moss gardens to the gentle hills that frame the pavilion in the background. I took a slow walk along the circular path, which leads up to a small viewpoint overlooking the temple grounds. The view from up there, with autumn colors stretched out below, was absolutely breathtaking.
Why You Should Go in the Morning
One of the best decisions I made was arriving early. Not only was it quieter, but the soft morning light made the scenery even more photogenic. There were moments where I could just sit in silence, with the sound of rustling leaves and distant footsteps the only things I could hear.
If you’re thinking of visiting Ginkaku-ji, especially in autumn, I really recommend going as early as possible. I came around 10am. You’ll avoid the crowds and experience a kind of calm that’s hard to find in more tourist-heavy hours. Then you can continue your journey by walking along Philosopher’s path
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto in the morning turned out to be a smart choice, not just budget-wise, but also experience-wise. Ginkaku-ji gave me a rare moment of stillness, something we don’t often get in our busy lives. And walking through the golden and crimson leaves, I was reminded of why Japan in autumn such a dream is.
So, if you’re ever in Osaka and want a peaceful escape without splurging on Kyoto hotels, consider a morning visit to Ginkaku-ji. Just remember to bring your camera, your walking shoes, and a heart ready to slow down.
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