Temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto
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
A gravel garden display
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
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.
The pavilion in black and white
Black and white landscape
Please check out these other posts on visiting Kyoto, Japan
Beautiful gardens of Kyoto, Japan
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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Noel,
I should’ve known you’d pull off such wonderful shots of Ginkakuji. This is certainly a must-see for those who go to Kyoto and has so much history behind it. It was one of the first things I saw when visiting Kyoto and mainly because of Donald Keene’s book about the architect and former shogun who put it together. It’s called Yoshimasa and the Silver Pavilion if you’d like a good historical read that mixes in art and culture.
I didn’t get a chance to visit in the fall like you and had no idea that the site could get any more beautiful. One thing that did amaze me was just how colorful it still was in winter but man, your shots really make me want to go back during the fall. Thanks for sharing this Noel! I regret coming upon it two years later but honestly, I’d never have known without seeing the date. Your shots are timeless!
Beautiful photos. I love that Ginkaku-Ji, when I was in Kyoto several years ago. Makes me want to return and see more of the area.
What a beautiful place! It seems so peaceful and noiseless.
Hi Noel,
I’m so happy to have found your blog, I’m a new follower and blogger.
Thank you for hosting!
Andrea
Aloha and thanks for connecting and participating for the link up party
Your pictures are beautiful. I’m sorry I can’t figure out how to link correctly. I can’t copy and paste from my laptop and don’t know how to correct my mistakes.
I don’t understand why I keep messing up. I can’t copy and paste from my laptop… I can’t figure out how to remove the old or fix it. Your pictures are beautiful. It’s one of the many places I would love to visit. Debbie
Beautiful photos, as usual Noel. You’re right about the afternoon light. It paints everything with such a warm glow.
Thanks for the tour!
What a great way to link up with people. Thanks for sharing your great photos and for hosting!
I never knew there was a silver temple in Kyoto when we were there last year and now that we’re in Europe it’s a little late to do anything about it, shame really.
Maybe we’ll make another trip to Japan in the future and see it for ourselves. It certainly looks a lot more peaceful than the golden temple was when we were there.
the gardens are so beautiful
Beautiful shots! I’ll Pinterest this so I remember to drop by this place when I visit. 🙂
Great photos 🙂
I always wanted to see the temple myself. Seeing them through your pictures is a good second choice.
Hi Noel, thanks for taking us to the Silver Pavilion. I like its “wabi-sabi” style (as well as the sound of i!) As much as I love the fall colds, your black and whilte shots are just so stunning.
Beautiful temple and grounds. I love visiting Japanese temples and this one is just stunning. It really is a perfect spot for meditating or a quiet stroll. I haven’t been to Kyoto yet but this is on my travel wish list. You really captured the beauty and serenity of this special place.
Hi Mary it is a special place to visit especially in fall..thanks for connecting
Amazing pictures. The trees have such eerie shapes.