Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto

Japan Winter 2024

Kyoto | Japan

27 Feb 2024 | Tue

Day 08 of 17

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Kyoto
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji Temple
Philosopher’s Path Walk Kyoto
Hōnen-in-Temple Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto
Yakitori Daikichi Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto

After a serene visit to the Hōnen-in Temple in Kyoto, we embarked on a short journey to our final stop of the day, the Ginkaku-ji Temple. Known as the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji Temple is a sight to behold. We strolled through the meticulously maintained sand garden, marveled at the moss garden, and admired the temple’s unique architecture. The tranquil atmosphere and the temple’s historical significance made our visit truly memorable. It was a day filled with simple yet profound experiences, immersing us in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Higashiyama-Jisho-ji-04 — Entrance to Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto

Higashiyama-Jisho-ji-16 — Amazing Sand Garden at Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto

Higashiyama-Jisho-ji-31 — Beautiful Gardens at Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺, lit. “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”), officially named Jishō-ji (慈照寺, lit. “Temple of Shining Mercy”), is a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the constructions that represent the Higashiyama Culture of the Muromachi period.

Ashikaga Yoshimasa initiated plans for creating a retirement villa and gardens as early as 1460, and it functioned as a pleasure villa for the shoguns to rest from their administrative duties. After his death, Yoshimasa arranged for this property to become a Zen temple under the name Jishō-ji. The temple is today associated with the Shokoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen.

In addition to the temple’s famous building, the property features wooded grounds covered with a variety of mosses. This Japanese garden was supposedly designed by the great landscape artist Sōami.

– Ginkaku-ji Temple Kyoto > Wikipedia