Ginkakuji (Ginkakuji) (Jishoji), located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a mountain villa built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, as a retirement home, modeled after his grandfather Yoshimitsu's Kinkakuji. Its Kannon Hall is called "Silver Pavilion" and is now designated as a national treasure. Its simple yet refined beauty is a symbol of Higashiyama culture, and the spirit of wabi-sabi is deeply felt. Although it was never covered with silver leaf, this "unfinished beauty" enhances its charm.

The temple grounds consist of a dry landscape garden and a stroll-style pond garden, and the "Ginshadan" (Silver Sand Beach), a cone-shaped pile of white sand, and the "Kougetsudai" (Moon-viewing platform) for viewing the moon are particularly beautiful in their unique shapes. There is also a moss garden and a teahouse called "Togudo", and the quiet and calm atmosphere in harmony with the beautiful nature of the four seasons is attractive. It is registered as part of the World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto", and is visited by many people.

In contrast to the gorgeous Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, with its profound aesthetic sense in simplicity, is recommended for those who want to experience traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Parking is available at the Ginkakuji Tourist Parking Lot in Kyoto City, which is expensive at 1,000 yen per day (please limit parking to 2 hours), and even private parking costs more than 600 yen per hour.

[Trivia]
Ginkakuji was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa to imitate Kinkakuji, and although there was a plan to cover it with silver leaf, it is said that this was not realized due to financial difficulties and other reasons. However, as a result, the aesthetic sense of "wabi-sabi", which finds beauty in simplicity, stood out, and it became a symbol of the spirit of Higashiyama culture.