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Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

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Introduction Ginkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1489 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a villa modeled after Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the temple grounds house both the Silver Pavilion and Tōgu-dō, both designated National Treasures. The two-story Silver Pavilion features the Shinkūden (Hall of the Void) on the first floor, modeled after the Shariden hall of Saihō-ji Temple; the second floor, called Chōondō, houses a statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kannon). The exterior of the Silver Pavilion is not actually covered in silver leaf but is painted with white plaster. The Silver Pavilion, Tōgu-dō, and the Kyōko-chi (Mirror Pond) form the temple garden, where white sand symbolizes calm waves. The garden also features two sand mounds, Tsukimi-dai (Moon Viewing Platform) and Ginshadan (Sea of Silver Sand), which reflect moonlight when the moon rises over Mount Tsukimachiyama, illuminating the garden. Transportation

Overview Transport Tickets Specialties

Introduction

Ginkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1489 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a villa modeled after Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the temple grounds house both the Silver Pavilion and Tōgu-dō, both designated National Treasures. The two-story Silver Pavilion features the Shinkūden (Hall of the Void) on the first floor, modeled after the Shariden hall of Saihō-ji Temple; the second floor, called Chōondō, houses a statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kannon). The exterior of the Silver Pavilion is not actually covered in silver leaf but is painted with white plaster. The Silver Pavilion, Tōgu-dō, and the Kyōko-chi (Mirror Pond) form the temple garden, where white sand symbolizes calm waves. The garden also features two sand mounds, Tsukimi-dai (Moon Viewing Platform) and Ginshadan (Sea of Silver Sand), which reflect moonlight when the moon rises over Mount Tsukimachiyama, illuminating the garden. Transportation

Take the Keihan Railway to Demachiyanagi Station; take a city bus to Ginkakuji-michi Station and walk about 10 minutes; or take a city bus to Ginkakuji-mae Station and walk about 5 minutes.

Kyoto, Japan