SHOT OF THE DAY – SILVER PAVILION, KYOTO

SHOT OF THE DAY – SILVER PAVILION, KYOTO

The gardens and temples in Japan are truly spectacular. The well known Golden pavilion is often featured and written about, but both Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Ginkaku-ji, or Silver Pavilion due to how peaceful and quiet it is compared to its even more popular cousin, and because of the incredible gardens that surrounded it.

Planned to be a retirement villa in 1460, it was not built until after the original developers death to be later a Zen temple. The two story hall commenced construction in 1482 designed by the grandson of the commissioner of the famous Golden Pavilion.

It is known as Ginkaku. Silver pavilion, because of the initial plans to cover the exterior in silver foil. But due to the Onin War, construction was halted. This delay lasted so long that the plans for silver overlay were never realized before the commissioners death.

As impressive as the silver would have been, I love the original wooden look. It really gives it a very different feel to the golden pavilion and keeps it a much less popular tourist destination, allowing you to really enjoy the original peaceful Zen intentions.