Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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2 Ginkaku-ji-chō, Sakyō-ku
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admission ¥500
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8.30am-5pm Mar-Nov, 9am-4.30pm Dec-Feb
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10min walk from Ginkaku-ji-michi bus stop, bus 5 from Kyoto Station
In 1482 shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimasa constructed a villa at this fine mountainside loca-
tion, which he used as a genteel retreat from the turmoil of civil war. Although Ginkaku-ji
(
銀閣寺
) translates as Silver Pavilion, this is simply a nickname to distinguish it from
Kinkaku-ji (the 'Golden Pavilion' on the other side of town). The main hall, which over-
looks the pond, was originally covered in black lacquer. After Yoshimasa's death it was
converted to a temple. The temple belongs to the Shōkoku-ji sect of the Rinzai school of
Zen.
You will find walkways leading through the gardens, which were laid out by painter
and garden designer Sōami. The gardens include meticulously raked cones of white sand
known as
kōgetsudai
, designed to reflect moonlight and enhance the beauty of the garden
at night.
In addition to the Buddha image in the main hall, the Tōgudō (residence of Yoshimasa)
houses an effigy of Yoshimasa dressed in monk's garb.
Don't miss the footpath that leads to a viewpoint over Kyoto and all the way to the
western mountains. The path starts at the northeast corner of the garden and can be
climbed in a few minutes.
