Ginkaku-ji Temple

Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Ginkaku-ji is the second most famous temple in Kyoto and the little brother of Kinkaku-ji. Ginkaku-ji consists of the main hall, Silver Pavilion, a few other temple building, a beautiful moss garden and a Zen sand garden. Despite its name, the Silver Pavilion was never covered in silver.

Ginkaku-ji is one of the major structures that represents the Higashiyama culture. The Higashiyama culture centered on the development of chadō (Japanese tea ceremony), ikebana (flower arranging), Noh drama, and sumi-e ink painting. In contrast to the Kitayama Culture (represented by Kinkaku-ji), which was limited to the aristocratic circles, the Higashiyama Culture had a broad impact on the entire country.