Ginkaku-ji,+Kyoto

=Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Kyoto=

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion) Reaction:

When researching my temple, I was really excited to learn it was the 6th most visited site in Kyoto. My first pre-visit reaction was this is going to be beautiful and memorable experience.

After arriving in Japan, I borrowed a travel book to read about my research project- Silver Pavilion. I was disappointed to read that the author stated the site was over-rated and recommended to visit other sites and temples around Kyoto. So, I was anxious to visit and judge for myself if the temple was worthy.

My first reaction was this is almost like being at Sanford Stadium on University of Georgia campus with the beautiful tall hedges surrounding the entrance path. After the hedges walkway, I was amazed at the beautiful pond and landscaping! The paths and mountain views are some of the most memorable and beautiful surroundings I have encountered. The tall yet elegant trees with vibrant moss were so beautiful with the blue sky backdrop.

By conducting research and placing on the wiki, I had ownership in sense of the temple. After the visit, I was proud of the temple.

I can’t wait to conduct staff development and share all of my experiences of Japan with colleagues. I am also excited to intertwine the experiences with my ESOL classes in many of my lessons.

Ginkaku-ji Photo Gallery
Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto

Photos:

In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (8th Ashikaga Shogun) built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple. Final construction of the villa had to be delayed due to the Onin Wars where most of Kyoto was destroyed. Yoshimasa’s villa grounds were not touched. A few years later, the Silver Pavilion, modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), was constructed. The temple (Silver Pavillion) is considered a Zen Buddhist temple and was converted in 1490, after Yoshimasa’s death. When the property was completed, twelve buildings and a garden encompassed the estate. It is close to Kyoto’s Higashiyama or eastern mountains. The grounds were in dismal shape by 1615, and the Shokoku School had to complete a major restoration. From the restorations, the property is a must see today for the landscaping and architecture. Key Features of visit:

1. **Kogetsudai (**Moon-viewing Platform)- cone shaped structure rising 2 meters into the air. Several proposed purposes. 2. The famous landscape gardener Soami (1455-1525) personally designed the garden and buildings. 3. **Kinkyo-chi** or Brocade Mirror Pond. Part of the pond are turtle and crane islands, and bout creatures represents longetivity. 4. **Sengetsu-sei** (moon watching fountain). The tiny trickle of water from this fall is designed to spread ripples across the water - the reflection of the moon in the water, combined with the reflection of the moonlight on the sand garden is one the highlights of Ginkakuji. 5. **Ginkaku**, the Silver Pavilion. Yoshimasa meant to cover the building in silver leaf, but never got around to it when building. The name Silver Pavilion has remained even though it has never had a silver color. 6. The first floor of the Silver Pavilion is called **//Shinkudan// or Empty Heart Hall**. The size is a typical Heian and shinden style. Shinden style means a single large room divided into several rooms by //fusama// sliding panels. An image of **Jizo**, the Buddhist protector of children, is found in this room. 7. The second floor of the Silver Pavilion is called **Chouonkaku, Hall of Roaring Waves**. The floor has an image called gilt Kannon. 8. The top of the temple has a gilt bronze phoenix. 9. The sand garden of Ginkaku-ji has become particularly well known A two year renovation project on the property was completed in March 2010. The temple is the 6th most visited site in Kyoto.

Work Cited http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3907.html http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/kyoto/ginkakuji.html