"Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion) is the more common name for Jisho-ji, a temple belonging to the Shokoku School of the Rinzai Zen sect of Buddhism. ...Ginkaku-ji was not originally a temple. Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490), the 8th Ashikaga Shogun .. began construction in 1460 but was prevented from immediately completing his retirement villa due to the Onin Wars (1467-1477).
The Onin wars were a series of senseless conflicts in which most of Kyoto was destroyed (Kyoto was the actual battlefield) caused in part by his selection of an heir to the title of Shogun. Having no children of his own, Yoshimasa initially opted for his younger brother to succeed him. However, in 1465 his wife bore a son and split factions formed each laying claim to the title "Shogun". The ten year war ripped Kyoto apart (miraculously Yoshimasa's villa was untouched)...
The Silver Pavilion
The Silver Pavilion
Ginkaku became Yoshimasa's escape from the ravages of the civil war. Construction of what was known as Higashiyamadono - the palace of the Eastern Mountains, was eventually resumed in 1480. Yoshimasa relocated to Higashiyamadono in 1483 and lived there, holding Noh plays, tea ceremonies, and enjoying things of an aesthetic nature until his death in 1490. " - yamasa.org
"When you entering the grounds of Ginkaku-ji you will find yourself walking a beautiful sand-covered path lined with trees and a bamboo fence that is made in a style known as the Ginkakuji-gaki style of fencing. ... " - yamasa.org
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"... At the end of the pathway turn left and you will come to the ticket booth and a one-story gateway that leads to the inner grounds of the temple. ... " - yamasa.org
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"... Continuing on you will come to the Kara-mon (Chinese Gate) that dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. Through the gateway of the garden wall you can catch just a glimpse of the Ginshaden sand garden. Directly to your left is a large building called the Kuri (Priest's Quarters). " - yamasa.org
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"This is a karaesanisui garden (dry garden) called Ginshaden or the Sea of Silver Sand. The "garden" consists of a 2 foot platform of sand that covers 0.71 hectares (1.75 acres) that is meant to be viewed as a sea, though the lines are far too straight and perfect to create such a clear illusion. Despite this, it is truly a wonderful sight that you can lose yourself in.
Next to the sea of sand you can see a cone shaped structure rising 2 meters into the air. This is called the Kogetsudai, or Moon-viewing Platform. There are several theories about this mountain shaped creation. Some believe it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others say it was designed as a simple mound of sand used to replenish the walkways. Still others say that the cones of this type (they are located in other temples in Japan) are meant to reflect divine light into the hearts of the visitors. No matter what the true purpose is, the Kogetsudai illuminates the Silver Pavilion on moonlight nights, making for a magnificent sight." - yamasa.org
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"Take your time around the pond soaking in the views. Each view is meant to conjure an image from classic Japanese or Chinese literature. The pond is completed by a small waterfall called Sengetsu-sei (moon watching fountain). The tiny trickle of water from this fall is designed to spread ripples across the water - the reflection of the moon in the water, combined with the reflection of the moonlight on the sand garden is one the highlights of Ginkakuji. " - yamasa.org
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Like many Kyoto temples and gardens, Ginkaku-ji has a small army of gardeners continuously trimming every tree, bush, and blade of grass.
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Stopping to talk to a gardener, on the path up the hill behind the temple.
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...
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The Silver Pavillion is to the left of the sand garden, and the Hondo (Spirit Hall) and Togu-do and are to the right.
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"This finally brings us to Ginkaku, the Silver Pavilion. If you have just been to Kinkaku-ji and were blown away by the dazzling golden building built there by Yoshimasa's grandfather, then you may be a bit disappointed in the Silver Pavilion. Although Yoshimasa intended to cover the pavilion in silver leaf, he either never got around to it or just got caught up in his incense room or noh plays. In any case the pavilion never has never been silver but has somehow kept its name. " - yamasa.org
