Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺, lit. “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”), officially named Jishō-ji (慈照寺, lit. “Temple of Shining Mercy”)
Jisho-ji (慈照寺), “Temple of Shining Mercy” is better known by its common name, Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), “Temple of the Silver Pavilion.” The reason is that the main structure, a 2-story pagoda housing a figure of the Buddhist Kannon, or “Goddess of Mercy,” was originally intended to be covered in silver leaf. The plan was never followed through, and the rustic, unfinished appearance adds to the subdued charm of the temple.
Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto Built in the 15th century (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Ginkaku-ji was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaya Yoshimasa, and the buildings and gardens reflect the new styles developed at that period. Critics claim that Yoshimasa hid in the villa while the Onin civil wars raged and Kyoto burned to the ground. He became a Buddhist monk in 1485, and requested that the place be turned into a temple upon his death in 1490. Now it is a showpiece of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
Ginkaku-ji
As well as the pagoda, which is not open to the public, there is a sand garden with a mound representing Mt. Fuji, a reflecting pond, and a path through the moss garden, which has a subtle blend of many different species. The camellia approach to the temple is lovely when in bloom.
Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺, lit. “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”), officially named Jishō-ji (慈照寺, lit. “Temple of Shining Mercy”)
Because there are so many lovely sites in Kyoto, some visitors are not very impressed by the small garden with a one-way path through, or the inability to enter the buildings. However, if you have the time, it is a good addition to a trip along the Philosopher’s Path.
Kyoto city buses #5, 17, and 100 run to Ginkaku-ji. It costs ¥500 to enter. Hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in the winter or 5 pm in the summer.
FUMIの旅行動画集。posted a beautiful HD walk-through video of the Ginkaku-ji temple complex and is well worth seeing.
To the left of the entrance to Ginkaku-ji is a staircase leading up to a pretty little shrine with vermillion gates. It is free to enter and tends to be very quiet and cool in the shade, making a fun side exploration for the adventurous child.
Procesión en Ginkaku-ji
