Ginkaku-ji or the “Temple of the Silver Pavilion,” is a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto, Japan. Ashikaga Yoshimasa initiated plans for creating a retirement villa and gardens as early as 1460 and after his death, Yoshimasa would arrange for this property to become a Zen temple. The official name is the “Temple of Shining Mercy.” The temple is today associated with the Shokoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen.
In addition to the temple’s famous building, the property features wooded grounds covered with a variety of mosses. The Japanese garden, supposedly designed by the great landscape artist Sōami. The sand garden of Ginkaku-ji has become particularly well known; and the carefully formed pile of sand which said to symbolize Mount Fuji is an essential element in the garden. Great tourist attractions.
GPS coordinates: 35° 1′ 36″ N, 135° 47′ 54″ E
