Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto

Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto,Travel Photo Mondays #18

The Temple of the Silver Pavilion or Ginkaku-Ji

 

 

Touring the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto during fall season

This week, I’m taking you to Kyoto to the visit the Temple of the Silver Pavilion and the start of fall. Although it’s still a little early for fall colors in Japan, the leaves were already starting to change colors at the temple. The Silver temple or Ginkaku-Ji as it is called was originally a retirement home to the Japanese shogun. It was later bequeathed and converted into a zen temple after his death. Unlike the Golden temple covered in gold leaf, plans to cover the two-story main pavilion in silver foil were long-delayed and never materialized with the death of the shogun. Still, the nick name stuck with westerners and the pavilion remains intact with its eclectic wabi-sabi (unfinished look) style of architecture amid a mature garden.

The grounds and gardens surrounding the temple are immaculately maintained and gardeners are constantly on site caring and creating a perfect zen environment. Late afternoon was the perfect timeframe to visit since most of the crowds have dissipated and the afternoon light cast a perfect glow to the landscape and fall foliage.

 

Highlights visiting the Temple of the Silver Pavilion

 

Adjoining pavilion for tea ceremonies

Adjoining pavilion for tea ceremonies

 

 

 

 

A gravel garden display

A gravel garden display

 

 

 

 

Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto,Travel Photo Mondays #18

Maple leaves turning colors

 

The garden is surrounded with mature maple trees that were just starting to turn colors in the early fall season. The tips of the branches more vivid in coloration – eventually the entire garden will burst into a riot of autumn colors. I’m glad I was able to get a glimpse of this transition even though I would not be able to see Kyoto in this amazing change and the lush green foliage turning colors throughout the temple grounds.

 

Japanese maples turning colors

Japanese maples turning colors

 

The gardens surrounding the pavilion grounds are quintessential Zen garden style with miniaturized (bonsai) trees and garden paths leading up the mountain with scenic views of the city and mountain range. It’s a spectacular view with lots of natural vistas, in spite of being on the edge of a busy and crowded metropolis. The Temple of the Silver Pavilion remains remote and quiet in its  tucked corner of the hills and urban sprawl – a wonderful respite for those wanting to meditate or enjoy some solitude. Just coming to visit and enjoy the beauty of the garden and the areas surrounding it is a totally different environment to the rest of bustling Kyoto.

 

Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto,Travel Photo Mondays #18

The pavilion in black and white

 

 

 

 

Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto,Travel Photo Mondays #18

Black and white landscape

Please check out these other posts on visiting Kyoto, Japan

Beautiful gardens of Kyoto, Japan

Nijo castle in Kyoto, Japan

Bento lunch in Kyoto, Japan

Golden temple at Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

Looking for Geishas in Kyoto

Japanese street food or Yatai

 

Hope you enjoyed visiting the Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto for Travel Photo Mondays. Please come join me and enjoy some of these other posts and photographs below with some scenic places around the world.

 

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