A Detailed Overview of the History and Significance of Ginkaku-ji

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Ginkaku-ji
2. History of Ginkaku-ji
3. Highlights of Ginkaku-ji
   

Introduction

Ginkaku-ji, located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, Japan, is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect's Shokoku-ji branch. Known for its beautiful architecture and gardens, it is a symbol of the "Higashiyama Culture." The temple's official name is Jisho-ji, and it originates from the mountain villa "Higashiyama-den," built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa during the Muromachi period. Ginkaku-ji is renowned for its National Treasure, the Kannon-den (Silver Pavilion), and the Togu-do Hall, both of which are harmoniously integrated into the designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty garden.

This page provides a detailed introduction to the history and main attractions of Ginkaku-ji. Along with the beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, we will thoroughly explore the charm of Ginkaku-ji.

1. Overview of Ginkaku-ji 

Ginkaku-ji, located in the Ginkakuji-cho area of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, is a temple of the Rinzai sect's Shokoku-ji branch. Officially named Jisho-ji, it originated as the mountain villa "Higashiyama-den" built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Ginkaku-ji boasts a beautiful landscape centered around the Kannon-den (Silver Pavilion), a National Treasure, harmoniously integrated with its gardens and other structures.

This temple was originally constructed as a retirement villa for Yoshimasa. After his death, it was converted into a Zen temple. Like other temples in Kyoto, Ginkaku-ji holds significant historical and cultural value. Notable features include the Togu-do Hall, which served as Yoshimasa's private worship hall, and the iconic Kannon-den (Silver Pavilion). The two-story wooden Kannon-den was inspired by the Shariden at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), built by Yoshimasa's grandfather, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

The garden at Ginkaku-ji is designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site. It features the Ginshadan (Sea of Silver Sand) and the Kogetsudai (Moon Viewing Platform), designed for moon viewing and reflecting Yoshimasa's Pure Land beliefs and Horai thought. The garden is an example of a strolling pond garden, offering visitors beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. Particularly famous are the Ginshadan, a white sand garden, and the Kogetsudai, a cone-shaped mound of sand resembling Mount Fuji.

While parts of Ginkaku-ji are usually not open to the public, special openings occur twice a year in spring and autumn. During these times, visitors can admire the temple's beautiful interior decorations and fusuma (sliding door) paintings, which are typically not on display. It is recommended to plan your visit to coincide with these special openings to fully appreciate the temple's beauty.

2. History of Ginkaku-ji 

Ginkaku-ji, officially known as Jisho-ji, is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect's Shokoku-ji branch, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. Its history dates back to the Muromachi period. Here, we outline the key events in its history.

　1.  Ashikaga Yoshimasa and the Creation of Ginkaku-ji (1436–1490)

Image is for illustration purposes. 

Ginkaku-ji (Jisho-ji) was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490), the eighth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. After retiring from his position, Yoshimasa sought to escape the devastation of Kyoto caused by the Onin War. He decided to retreat to the Higashiyama area and in 1482 began constructing his mountain villa, Higashiyama-den, which later became Ginkaku-ji. Yoshimasa devoted himself to cultural activities such as the tea ceremony, painting, and garden design, which became known as "Higashiyama Culture," deeply reflecting his personal aesthetics.

Ginkaku-ji was designed to embody Yoshimasa's ideal aesthetics of "wabi-sabi," characterized by the beauty of simplicity and imperfection. Unlike his grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's opulent Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) covered in gold leaf, Ginkaku-ji's restrained exterior never received the silver leaf that its name suggests.

　2. The Completion of Higashiyama Mountain Villa and Aftermath (1482–1490) 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

The construction of Higashiyama-den (later Ginkaku-ji) began in 1482 under Yoshimasa's direction. By 1485, the Saisho-an was completed, and the following year, Yoshimasa's private worship hall, Togu-do, was built. Togu-do, which includes the famous four-and-a-half tatami mat tea room "Dojinsai," was used by Yoshimasa for daily meditation and cultural pursuits. In 1489, the Kannon-den (Silver Pavilion) was erected, but Yoshimasa passed away the following year before its completion.

In 1490, after Yoshimasa's death, Ginkaku-ji was completed and converted into a Zen temple named Jisho-ji, after Yoshimasa's posthumous name "Jishoin-den." This transformation aimed to honor and pray for Yoshimasa's spirit.

　3. The Sengoku Period and Beyond (1549–) 

During the Sengoku period, Ashikaga Yoshiharu, the 12th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and his son Ashikaga Yoshiaki built Nakao Castle on the hills behind Ginkaku-ji in 1549. However, the castle was short-lived and was burned down the following year during an attack by Miyoshi Nagayoshi. In the late Sengoku period, the former regent Konoe Sakihisa used Ginkaku-ji as his villa. His brother, Yozan Zuisai, the sixth head priest of Jisho-ji, facilitated this transformation. After Sakihisa's death, the site was restored as a sub-temple of Shokoku-ji.

　4. Modern Restoration and World Heritage Registration (1868–1994) 

Ginkaku-ji suffered from the effects of the Meiji Restoration's policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism and the anti-Buddhist movement, leading to a period of decline. However, it was later restored through dedicated efforts. In 1951, the Silver Pavilion and Togu-do were designated as National Treasures, and in 1952, the garden was designated as a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, officially recognizing Ginkaku-ji's cultural value and beauty. Furthermore, in 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

In 2007, scientific research conducted by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties confirmed that the exterior walls of the Silver Pavilion were never covered in silver leaf. This finding clarified that the name "Ginkaku" (Silver Pavilion) originated during the Edo period and that no silver leaf was used at the time of construction.。

3. Highlights of Ginkaku-ji 

Ginkaku-ji is a beautiful place where architecture and gardens symbolizing Higashiyama Culture harmonize perfectly. Below are the main highlights of Ginkaku-ji.

　■ Kannon-den (Silver Pavilion) 

The iconic Kannon-den of Ginkaku-ji is designated as a National Treasure. This two-story building is known for its understated beauty, with the first floor called "Shinkuden" and the second floor "Choonkaku." The structure features a blend of Zen and Shoin architectural styles. Its exterior is coated with black lacquer, emphasizing its simple elegance without the use of silver leaf. Kannon-den was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa for his retirement and reflects his religious beliefs and aesthetic sensibilities.

　■ Togu-do (Dojinsai) 

Togu-do is another National Treasure built by Yoshimasa in 1486. It features a four-and-a-half tatami mat tea room called "Dojinsai" and is considered a prototype of Shoin architecture. Inside Togu-do, an image of Amida Nyorai, Yoshimasa's guardian deity, is enshrined, reflecting his Pure Land beliefs. While Togu-do is usually closed to the public, it is accessible during special viewing periods.​

　■ Ginshadan and Kogetsudai 

The garden, designed around the central Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site. The garden includes features like the Hakuro-jima (White Crane Island) and Ouchi-ishi (Ouchi Stone), which express Yoshimasa's Pure Land beliefs and Horai thought. Particularly notable are the Ginshadan and Kogetsudai, white sand gardens designed to reflect moonlight, offering visitors a unique visual experience.

　■ Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond)

Kyoko-chi is the central pond of Ginkaku-ji's garden, designed as a strolling pond garden. The pond's name comes from its mirror-like reflection of the Silver Pavilion (Kannon-den). The pond features islands such as Hakuro-jima (White Crane Island) and stones like Ouchi-ishi, symbolizing Yoshimasa's Pure Land beliefs and Horai thought. The reflection of the Silver Pavilion on the pond's surface is particularly enchanting after rain or on calm days, captivating all who visit.​

　■ Viewing Platform 

At the back of the garden, there is a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of Ginkaku-ji and the city of Kyoto. This spot is especially popular during autumn for its vibrant foliage and in winter for its snowy landscapes. It is a prime location for photography, providing a comprehensive view of Ginkaku-ji and allowing visitors to simultaneously appreciate Kyoto's beautiful nature and rich history.

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 In Conclusion 

Ginkaku-ji offers a profound insight into the spirit of "wabi-sabi" and the aesthetic sensibilities of Ashikaga Yoshimasa through its highlights like the Kannon-den, Togu-do, and Kyoko-chi. The garden’s changing scenery with each season presents a unique experience every time you visit.

When in Kyoto, take the time to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Ginkaku-ji. Let its serene atmosphere soothe your soul.