Ginkaku-ji: A Hidden Gem in Kyoto

If you were captivated by the dazzling brilliance of Kinkaku-ji, then you absolutely cannot miss its more understated "sibling"—Ginkaku-ji. Without the golden exterior, Ginkaku-ji enchants visitors with its simplicity, tranquility, and Zen-like atmosphere, transporting you back to the "Higashiyama Culture" of the Muromachi period—a world of beauty, seclusion, and philosophical reflection.

⏳ Historical Background
Originally known as Higashiyama-dono, Ginkaku-ji was built in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. The construction took eight years and was located on the ruins of Jōdo-ji Temple, which had been destroyed during the Ōnin War. This temple was also where Yoshimasa's brother, Yoshimi, had taken monastic vows. Initially, Higashiyama-dono was designed as a villa modeled after Kinkaku (Kitayama-dono), built by Yoshimasa's grandfather, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After Yoshimasa's death, the villa was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, following his wishes, and was named "Jishō-ji," incorporating the character "Shō" from his posthumous name. However, the temple's main building, "Ginkaku" (Silver Pavilion), became so iconic that the name "Ginkaku-ji" has been used ever since.

✨ Is Ginkaku Really Silver? It's Even More Beautiful
The Kannon Hall, or "Ginkaku," is the temple's most iconic structure. It is a two-story building, with the lower level called "Shinkūden," designed in a residential style, and the upper level called "Chōonkaku," built in a Zen style as a Buddha hall housing a statue of Kannon. The architecture blends elements of shoin-zukuri (residential style) and Tang-style Buddhist halls, making it a masterpiece of Higashiyama culture. Unlike Kinkaku, Ginkaku was never covered in silver leaf. There are two theories about this: one suggests financial constraints prevented the completion of the silver coating, while the other posits that Yoshimasa intentionally left the wood's natural color to align with Zen aesthetics of simplicity.

🌊 Karesansui and the White Sand Garden
Ginkaku-ji is renowned not only for its architecture but also for its exquisite gardens. The temple's garden is a stroll garden centered around the "Kinkyochi" pond, inspired by the Saihō-ji (Moss Temple) and attributed to the famous garden designer Musō Soseki. Although the garden was modified during the Edo period, reducing the pond's size, it still retains a profound Zen aesthetic and harmony with nature. The most striking features are the "Ginshadan" (Silver Sand Sea) and the "Kōgetsudai" (Moon Viewing Platform). The former represents waves with its raked sand patterns, while the latter is a 165 cm tall cone-shaped mound resembling a miniature Mount Fuji, symbolizing moon gazing and meditation. These karesansui (dry landscape) elements are often credited to the gardener Zen'ami, showcasing Higashiyama culture's pursuit of abstract beauty.

🍃 Tōgudō: The Origin of the Tea Ceremony and Shoin Style
Tōgudō served as Ashikaga Yoshimasa's study and Buddha hall. Inside, the small tea room "Dōjinsai" is said to be the prototype of the later "four-and-a-half tatami mat" tea rooms. The layout of Tōgudō is meticulously designed, with flexible spatial divisions, perfectly embodying the aesthetic exploration of living and spiritual spaces during that era.

📸 Scenic Views from the Hill
Behind Ginkaku-ji, there is an observation deck offering panoramic views of the temple and Kyoto's cityscape. Standing here, one can almost feel Yoshimasa's mindset of retreating from political turmoil to embrace the serenity of nature.

⏰ Tips
Admission Fee: 500 yen for adults
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (until 4:30 PM in winter)

Post by 走跳碰 | Jul 30, 2025