Ginkakuji

(Temple of the Silver Pavilion). Temple in Sakyou Ward, Kyoto, belonging to the Shoukokuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Considered the epitome of Higashiyama culture. The eminent Zen monk, Musou Soseki (1275-1351) was designated the honorary first abbot of the temple. Influenced by the example of Kinkakuji, its owner Ashikaga Yoshimasa planned to cover the main building with silver leaf but died before this could be done. A white sand cone is a central feature of the temple's famous garden. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)