Ginkaku Temple(Jisho-Ji) – Introducing Goshuin Information, Blessings, and History!!

What is Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji)？

Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji) originated as the Higashiyama-dono mountain villa, built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and is one of the most iconic temples representing the Higashiyama culture. It is also known as a temple of the Rinzai Zen sect, specifically the Shokoku-ji school. In contrast to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), it is affectionately called Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) by the public.

Blessings and Deities

History

・Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji) originated as the Higashiyama-dono mountain villa, built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and is known as a Zen temple of the Rinzai Shokoku-ji school. The official website includes the following description.

The formal name of Ginkaku-ji is **Higashiyama Jishō-ji**, and it is one of the sub-temples of Shokoku-ji. The name “Ginkaku-ji” is said to have originated during the Edo period, as a counterpart to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). The temple traces its origins to Higashiyama-dono, a mountain villa built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate. After Yoshimasa’s death, the villa was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect and was named Jishō-ji after Yoshimasa’s posthumous title, Jishōin.

Yoshimasa, who inherited his family estate at the age of nine and assumed the shogunate at fifteen, dedicated his life to reflecting his aesthetic vision, creating a vast villa that embodied the simplicity and understated elegance characteristic of Higashiyama culture. Ginkaku-ji continues to convey the spirit of Yoshimasa’s pursuit of beauty, carrying forward his legacy for more than 500 years.

Access to Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji)

Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji)’s Goshuin

Here is the Goshuin from Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji)! You can receive a Goshuin with the characters for “Kannon-den” (the name of the building known as Ginkaku) written prominently.

Here is the Goshuin from Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji)! You can receive a Goshuin with the characters for “Kannon-den” (the name of the building known as Ginkaku) written prominently

Visiting Report on Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji)！！

Somon（総門）

 

Let’s start our visit by passing through the Sōmon gate!

To proceed with the visit, we will make a donation for the temple’s offerings.

Ginsadan (銀沙灘) and Kōgetudai (向月台)

The Ginsadan (Silver Sand Beach) is a carefully arranged area with layers of white sand, creating a visually striking effect. In the background, there is also a cylindrical stone platform known as Kōgetudai (Moon Viewing Platform). Although these features are said to have been created in modern times, the unique and captivating design of the garden is truly remarkable!

This is the cylindrical Kōgetudai (Moon Viewing Platform). There are many popular theories suggesting that people used to sit on this platform waiting for the moon to rise over the Higashiyama mountains. However, the exact purpose for which it was originally created remains unclear.

Tōkūdō (東求堂)

Tōkūdō, along with the Kannon-den (the Silver Pavilion), is one of the remaining structures from the original Higashiyama-dono villa. It has been designated a National Treasure and was originally built as an Amida Hall.

Kannon-den (観音殿) / Ginkaku (銀閣)

The harmony with the pine trees is stunning! This composition is one of my favorites.

Souvenirs at Ginkaku-ji

After finishing your visit to Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji), you’ll find a shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Many items related to the Silver Pavilion are available for sale! Be sure to stop by and pick up a memento from your visit!

Summary

Thank you for reading.
Please do visit the charming Jishō-ji (Ginkaku-ji) !