Saturday, January 21, 2012

The Silver Pavillion (Ginkaku-ji - 銀閣寺) of Kyoto

The Silver Pavilion or better known as Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺) is a Zen temple in Kyoto built in the year 1490. It was founded by the 8th shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. The structure's design was built to emulate the Golven Pavillion (Kinkaku-ji) but no real silver is used for the construction. Similar to Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji was also built as a place of rest and solitude for the Shogun.

In addition to the temple's famous building, the are was featured with wooded grounds sovered with mosses. The Japanese Zen garden was designed by a famous landscaper artist name Soami. The sand garden which will be shown below is one of the best feature of Ginkaku-ji.
Enjoy the photos below!!



The Sand Garden greeting its visitors
The Kogetsudai, carefully formed pile of sand which is said to symbolize Mount Fuji
A landscape shot of the Sand Zen Garden. I wonder what will happen if it rains...Click to enlarge

 As we further enter, here we go, the Silver pavillion with shots from different point of view



View from the Top of the hill..
Perfect Reflection on the calm pond

Money were thrown into this pond. It is said that if your coin could land on top of the 'stone', you will be lucky

6 comments:

Blackswan said...

I'm a city gal but Kyoto is one of those places I enjoy visiting. Seeing your post reminds me of being a Maiko in Kyoto; a memorable experience I'll never forget.

Here's wishing you a Prosperous & Happy CNY!
DIY Your Mandarin Oranges This Chinese New Year! :)

Nava Krishnan said...

Thats a lovely place and great pics shared on it.

thomas said...

Beautiful ancient temple.

Iriene said...

I love all the photos especially the one "Perfect Reflection on the Calm Pond"..beautiful!
Here, I would like to wish you

"Happy & Prosperous Chinese New year :)"

Btw, is the sand are loose type or already cemented?

Jemsen said...

Fabulous photos of Kyoto. I have not visit to Japan...hope can go on holiday there :) Thanks for sharing!

ProxYLimiT said...

nice!! kyoto!! how i wish there is a chance i can go travel and photography.. XP