The temple grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring stunning gardens with a peaceful pond and a unique sand garden. The pavilion itself, though not covered in silver as the name suggests, has a simple and elegant charm. Walking through the moss-covered paths and lush greenery was incredibly calming.
Built in the 15th century, Ginkaku-ji is a Zen temple whose name is said to pair with that of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.
Ginkaku-ji, literally 'Silver Pavilion', isn't built with silver; the name metaphorically refers to moonlight reflecting off the black lacquer of the temple exterior back then.
Ginkaku-ji is nestled in Higashiyama, Kyoto's Eastern mountains, where many notable temples and attractions are found.
Ginkaku-ji is easily accessible by public transportation, but I prefer visiting the temple by bicycle. I usually ride a route from Nanzenji along Philosophy's Path, ending at the temple. This unique route is highly recommended for those with time to enjoy the tranquility of Kyoto.
Higashiyama Jisho-ji, commonly known as the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), is a Zen temple located in the eastern part of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the city’s most iconic temples and is celebrated for its minimalist design, serene atmosphere, and its role in shaping Japanese cultural and aesthetic traditions. Despite being referred to as the “Silver Pavilion,” the structure was never covered in silver, as its name suggests.
History and Background
• Origins: Ginkaku-ji was originally built in 1482 as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate during the Muromachi Period. Yoshimasa, a patron of the arts, intended to model the pavilion after the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) built by his grandfather. However, due to ongoing financial issues and political instability during the Ōnin War, the villa was never plated with silver as initially planned.
• Conversion to a Temple: After Yoshimasa’s death in 1490, the villa was converted into a Zen temple following his wishes and became part of the Shōkoku-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The temple’s official name, Jishō-ji, is derived from Yoshimasa’s Buddhist name, “Jishō-in.”
• Cultural Influence: Ginkaku-ji became a center for Higashiyama culture, an influential cultural movement during the late 15th century that emphasized simplicity, refined aesthetics, and the appreciation of art. This period saw the development of traditional Japanese arts such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement (ikebana), Noh theater, and sumi-e (ink painting), many of which were closely associated with Zen Buddhism.
Architecture and Design
• Main Hall (Kannon-den): The Silver Pavilion, officially called the Kannon-den (Hall of the Bodhisattva Kannon), is a two-story wooden structure designed in a simple and elegant style. The first floor, called the Shinku-den, is constructed in the shinden-zukuri style, reminiscent of Heian-period aristocratic architecture. The second floor is in the butsuden-zukuri style, resembling a Zen temple. The pavilion was meant to be covered in silver leaf to reflect the moonlight, but this never happened. Despite this, its unadorned, weathered appearance has come to symbolize the aesthetic ideal of wabi-sabi, or the beauty found in imperfection and simplicity.
• Sand Garden (Ginshadan): One of Ginkaku-ji’s most famous features is its meticulously maintained karensansui (dry landscape garden). The Ginshadan, or “Sea of Silver Sand,” is a flat expanse of white sand that represents the ocean. It is complemented by the Kogetsudai, a large cone-shaped mound of sand that symbolizes Mount Fuji. The sand garden reflects the Zen philosophy of simplicity and serves as a space for contemplation.
• Moss Garden: Surrounding the temple are tranquil moss gardens that add to the peaceful ambiance of Ginkaku-ji. The gardens are interspersed with ponds, small streams, and meticulously placed rocks, creating a natural yet artistically controlled environment. The combination of moss, water, and stone represents the harmony of nature, which is central to Japanese garden design.
• Pathway and Viewing Areas: Visitors to Ginkaku-ji follow a winding pathway that takes them through the temple grounds, offering various perspectives of the Silver Pavilion, gardens, and the surrounding landscape. The pathway ascends a small hill, providing a panoramic view of the temple grounds and the city of Kyoto in the distance.
We visited in February, and this place is simply splendid. It was so peaceful, with the sounds of nature and water adding to the experience. We arrived around 8 AM to avoid the crowds, as I believe a place like this is best enjoyed in tranquility.
Visited on the 10th of June 2024, around 11 a.m. It took 35 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station. The entrance fee is 500 yen per adult. The garden inside this temple is bigger than that of Kinkakuji Temple. It is one of the most beautiful shrines with a splendid garden in Kyoto. I spent at least an hour plus walking through the garden landscape and enjoying the view of Kyoto city from the top of the garden.
The walking path is easy and suitable for all ages. For those who depend on walking aids, such as wheelchairs or crutches, it is wise to stay on the ground level of the garden