Ginkakuji: The Perfect
Japanese Zen Gardens?

Ginkakuji must really feel naked...

Located in Kyoto, Japan and commonly called the “Silver Pavilion,” it is a temple...

...not covered in silver.

But that`s a story I`ll get to in a minute.

Surrounding the Silver Pavilion are absolutely beautiful Japanese zen gardens which are thought to have been designed by the artist Soami. If you want to create a Japanese garden design you could do worse than to check out his work. 

The raked zen sand garden, which is re-raked every day, is known as the Sea of Silver Sand because they say it sparkles in the moonlight. Meant to be viewed as a sea, even during the day, it is a fantastic sight.

There is a large sand mound in the garden and it is thought that it represents Mt. Fuji.

The Pavilion also overlooks an amazing Japanese water garden. 

With seven bridges, small islands as well as plants and rocks positioned just so, this Japanese garden/pond provides a variety of different, mind calming perspectives from many positions around its circumference. You can walk around the pond via its well worn Japanese garden paths.

Construction on the pavilion itself, began in 1482, by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. It is a natural wooden color and was originally coated in black lacquer. 

So where did the name “Silver Pavilion” come from?

Well, as it turns out, Yoshimasa`s grandfather Yoshimitsu built Kinkakuji - The Golden Pavilion which is covered in a thin layer of gold leaf that covers the top two stories of the temple.

Yoshimasa, the grandson, intended to cover Ginkakuji in silver to emulate Kinkakuji. However because Kyoto was in the midst of civil war at the time, construction of the pavilion was delayed and Yoshimitsu died before the silver could be applied.

Basically the “Silver Pavilion” has remained unfinished for the last 500 + years, but the nickname survived.

If you are thinking that its not worth seeing the temple because it isn`t covered in silver don`t be put off. True it may not be as spectacular as Kinkakuji, but the Japanese zen gardens that surround it really are something to behold. 

When you do go, take your time to really take in the surroundings and appreciate its subtleties, like the reflection of the sand Mt. Fuji in the pond, it`s not something you are likely to find back home. 

**PLEASE NOTE: Until about spring 2010 the Silver Pavilion will be covered by scaffolding because it is being renovated. When 500 years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmmm?  

Opening Hours:

9:00am - 4:30pm December - February

8:30am - 5:00pm March - November

Entry:

¥500