the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) – it’s that small temple on the left.
I look forward to new experiences when we travel and the autumn foliage colours of Kyotos Temple gardens were certainly new to us. This world of colours that changed weekly – daily even – were unknown in our tropical world at home and filled me with wonder.
After visiting ten Kyoto temples over a two week period in early November, we were officially in awe of Japanese garden design. We had left this renowned temple in Northern Higashiyama district, till toward the end of our time in Kyoto and my heart dropped a beat as we joined the hordes of people waiting to enter. But all of these people couldn’t be wrong…right? Luckily there were two ticket offices open and the line flowed quickly.
Inside we were greeted by the Silver Sea of sand – my favourite dry sand garden in Kyoto – framed by a kaleidoscope of foliage. The chopped off conical sand hill, or Moon Viewing Platform, is thought to mimic Mt. Fuji.
The path meandered through a moss garden with a still pond perfect for reflections, over bridges, slowly gaining height as the crowds thinned out.
The day was a mixture of cloud and sun and although not perfect for photography, it was magical in real life.
Looking Up revealed stray Maple Leaves nestled in the pines like stars in the night sky.
Japanese Temple Gardens are very manicured but the falling Autumn leaves added an impromptu beauty.
Standing as we were on the lower slopes of Daimonji Mountain the skyline of Eastern Kyoto framed the scene nicely.
The pavilion roof was made of thin 30cm long Japanese Cypress shingles of which only 3cm protruded. Attached using bamboo nails I think the weathered Cypress added a definite silver glow.
The Story of Ginkaku-ji
When Ashikaga Yoshimasa began construction in 1482 he envisaged a building covered in Silver Foil. His grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimitsu covered Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) with Gold Leaf in 1397. At first Yoshimasa’s building, modelled on this Grandfather’s pavilion, was known as Jisho-ji – the temple of Shining Mercy. He died before achieving it’s silver transformation and what was meant to be glitzy and ostentatious has instead become known for it’s modest refinement. It wasn’t until post 1600’s that Jisho-ji became known as Ginkaku-ji or The Silver Pavilion.
Orientation
The Golden Pavilion is a little to the north on the other side of town.
Budget Travel Tips
Entrance 500 yen.
Hours 8.30 to 5 Mar/Nov and 9 to 4.30 Dec/Feb. Arrive ASAP after opening time and from 3pm on to escape the crowds.
Bus 5/17/100 leaves from Kyoto Train Station to the Silver Pavilion. Bus 100 is normally very crowded until after Kiyomizu-dera (temple) Stop in Southern Higashiyama – I cannot vouch for the others.
Cost of bus 230 yen regardless of the length of the ride. Enter through the rear door and feed correct change into the machine near the driver as you exit.
The prices at the on-site gift shop are no more expensive than elsewhere in the city and there are free samples of packaged treats to try before you buy. I recommend the Wasabi Peanuts.
The street leading uphill toward the Pavilion is lined with souvenir and food stalls.
The atmospheric philosophers walk (2km) links the Pavilion with Nanzen-ji. I recommend the Philosophers walk but be aware that there are few budget food options along the way, or near Nanzen-ji.
If you love to travel visit Corinne’s Reflections Enroute for Weekend Travel Inspiration.
This week Noel from Travel Photo Discovery is discovering Bologna, Italy for Travel Photo Monday.
This post is linked to Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox.
Where to Stay in Kyoto and Walk the Geisha District
Great photos…
Thanks Lily.
Jan, What stunning pictures you have posted…I absolutely love Kyoto! Thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!
I’m glad you liked them Corinne, we love Kyoto too.
Oh my goodness those gardens are magnificent. The Autumn colours of the leaves are so vivid against the still green foliage. Fantastic photography Jan and another beautiful place in the world that looks like a ‘must see’.
I am now a fan of Japan and would like to see it in Cherry Blossom Time Kathy!
You were definitely there at a better timeframe, I think I was there a month too early for fall colors. It was still beautiful even in the cloudy weather I had visited late afternoon, at least most of the crowds were gone when I was there.
Autumn was beautiful Noel. Next time We’ll try for Cherry Blossom season.
WOW what stunning colours you have captured in all of your pictures of the Temple Gardens, Love the Red splashes in the Trees.
Autumn sounds like an ideal time to visit Kyoto 🙂
It was beautiful Lisa, but Spring (Apple Blossom) time is meant to be even prettier 🙂
How interesting … and your pics are enchanting. I love the maple leaves against the sky – they do look like stars 🙂 and the colours of those trees are mesmeric – ahh how I’d love them to replace the olive green of WA 😉
Olive Green is beautiful too Johanna and your lovely blue ocean is to die for 🙂
That sand garden boggles my mind with the time and intricacy it took to make it. I would find that so mesmerizing to just sit down and look at it. Even despite the rainy day your photos turned out full of vibrant colors, Jan! And thank you for the Orientation map! I was jonesing bad for a fix on your last post as to where in Japan, Kyoto was…it wasn’t pretty! 🙂 Much better now… 🙂
I knew I had to include a map after my last post was mapless. When the Autumn leaves fall onto the sand the groundstaff put on rubber bottom shoes and walk gently on the sand to remove the leaves Mike!
I loved this temple, and was very intrigued by the sand. It is even more beautiful with the fall colors.
Yes Nancie it was the most interesting sand garden we saw. 🙂 Those fall colours make everything look better don’t they?
Those maple leaves are incredible!!! I was also in awe at how manicured and perfect everything looked in Kyoto…(well, most parts of Japan I visited, actually!)
I love to visit gardens – and this one looks very beautiful particularly with the autumn colours. Gardens are such a restful retreat from big cities. Happy travels and have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for commenting Jill. There were so many lovely gardens in Kyoto, they were not always restful 🙂
I understand what you mean about being extra appreciative of seasonal changes in foliage color when you come from a tropical environment. This temple is so pretty, and I do think the cypress lends the roof a silver glow. I was wondering if it was related to the Golden Temple, so thank you for confirming that. All the photos are beautiful, but the one with the maple leaves unexpectedly nestled in the pine is my favorite.
My favourite too Michele 🙂
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful and really capture the season and serenity of the Silver Pavilion. We never made it to the Silver Pavilion during our visit last summer. I love Kyoto and it looks like you found a winner here. Just stunning!
Thanks for saying our photos are stunning. I am in awe of yours. I think the Silver Pavilion shone through! It is interesting to compare it to the Gold Pavilion. 🙂