Ginkaku ji Temple
About Ginkaku ji Temple
Ginkakuji Temple ( Silver Pavilion) was constructed in 1482 and became a Zen Temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy in 1490. It was constructed by Ashikaga Yoshimasu ,8th Murimashi Shogunate and grandson of the Shogun who built the (Golden Pavilion) Kinkaku ji.
The plan of covering this temple with silver leaf in contrast to the Golden Pavilion was never realized.
The building has 2 stories: The 1st floor is built in the Shorin style, traditional Japanese residential architecture style.
The 2nd floor is Chinese temple style and on the roof is a golden bronze phoenix facing east constantly guarding Ginkuku ji.
The approach from the main entrance to the courtyard is lovely and is lined on both sides with about 50meter long hedges made of stone, bamboo and camellias. The courtyard has a Zen garden with lovely white sand representing waves and Mount Fuji. The grounds and gardens of Ginkaku ji are beautiful and extensive and a fantastic view can be had from the observatory on top of the hill.
The plan of covering this temple with silver leaf in contrast to the Golden Pavilion was never realized.
The building has 2 stories: The 1st floor is built in the Shorin style, traditional Japanese residential architecture style.
The 2nd floor is Chinese temple style and on the roof is a golden bronze phoenix facing east constantly guarding Ginkuku ji.
The approach from the main entrance to the courtyard is lovely and is lined on both sides with about 50meter long hedges made of stone, bamboo and camellias. The courtyard has a Zen garden with lovely white sand representing waves and Mount Fuji. The grounds and gardens of Ginkaku ji are beautiful and extensive and a fantastic view can be had from the observatory on top of the hill.
Payment Accepted:
Getting there:
(Silver Pavilion) Buy City Bus All Day Pass (500yen) good value as each flat fare route is 220 yen. Take a city bus #5 from bus terminal A1 at Kyoto Station and get off Ginkakuji - michi stop. Walk up the hill .
Info : Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau Website
www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu
Info : Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau Website
www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu
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First To Review:
Nov 2, 2009
I wasn't lucky, 'cause the main building of Ginkakuji is currently being renovated and covered by a scaffold. Works are scheduled to be completed by spring 2010. But I like in the garden meticulously raked cones of white sand, it's symbolic of a mountain (Fuji?) and a lake. Making it could be a game with patience.
Nov 28, 2008
The temple was being repaired when I visited but we had access to the gorgeous grounds of the garden. Ginkaku ji was a more interesting visit because of the gardens than the Golden Pavilion even though the temple did not have the wow factor of the Golden Pavilion.
Jan 24, 2010
interesting but not the most one in Japan, should visit Nara....
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