Established in the late-15^th century, Ginkaku-ji or the ‘Silver Pavilion’ was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Modelled on Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the villa was repurposed as a temple following Yoshimasa’s death in 1490. Today, Ginkaku-ji houses a statue of Kannon – Goddess of Mercy – and though not as spectacular as Kingaku-ji, the temple is well-worth visiting. Ginkaku-ji is part of the larger Higashiyama Joshi-ji temple complex; a complex that includes a number of other temple buildings and landscaped gardens.

Of particular note, the temple is known for its unique sand garden and tranquil moss garden. Paths lead through the two gardens before climbing the hill behind the temple from where you can look back over the complex and Ginkaku-ji.