Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji)

Ginkaku-ji is formally Jishō-ji (Higashiyama Jishō-ji) and is a sub-temple of the Rinzai sect’s Shōkoku-ji school, famed as part of the “Kyoto Five Mountains” tradition. It began as a villa built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th Muromachi shogun, and after his death it became a temple. It is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing (1994). From Kyoto Station, city bus access is recommended; get off at “Ginkakuji-michi,” then walk about 10 minutes. The main highlight is the National Treasure Kannon-den (the “Silver Pavilion”). Modeled after Kinkaku-ji, it is a two-story structure: the lower level is in shoin-zukuri style, and the upper level is a Zen-style Buddhist hall. You cannot enter, but its elegant form reflected in the pond is well worth seeing. In front of the main hall are famous garden features: Kogetsudai, a cone-shaped mound of white sand, and Ginsyadan, wave-like sand patterns—creating a beautiful contrast with the pavilion. Connected to the main hall by a corridor is Tōgudō, the oldest surviving shoin-zukuri building and a National Treasure; it is usually closed but may be open during special viewing periods. If you have time, strolling the gardens is recommended. The viewpoint looking down over Ginkaku-ji from higher ground offers a wonderful panorama.