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You are here: Home / Stock Photography / Japan / Kyoto Philosophers Walk / Ginkakuji Temple

Ginkakuji Temple

The wooden entrance gate leading into the Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Visitors admire the Ginshadan sand layout with the Hojo building in the background. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

This two metre high cone shaped sand mound is called the Kogetsudai, or the Moon Viewing Platform. There are several theories about this sand mound, some believe it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, others say that temple cones of this type are meant to reflect divine light into the hearts of the visitors. Kogetsudai illuminates the Silver Pavilion on moonlight nights, and from above the Silver Pavilion the Kogetsudai sand mound is believed to resemble the silvery full moon reflected in a deep lake. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Visitors admire the Ginshadan sand layout. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

A large stone and moss garden behind Ginkaku Silver Pavillion, Kyoto, Japan

The Chinese Fenghuang or the Japanese Phoenix like bird called ‘Ho-Oo’ stands on top of the Ginkaku Temple building. ‘Ho-Oo’ has very positive connotations, it is a symbol of high virtue and grace plus also symbolises the union of yin and yang. Each part of ‘Ho-Oo’s body symbolises a word, the head represents virtue, the wing represents duty, the back represents propriety, the abdomen says belief and the chest represents mercy. In Japan it is a symbol of the imperial house, and it represents fire, the sun, justice, obedience, and fidelity. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Overlooking the Ginshadan sand layout and Ginkakuji Temple buildings with Kyoto city and Yoshida yama hill in the background. Kyoto, Japan

Stone steps with bamboo railings lead around the Ginkakuji Temple gardens, Kyoto, Japan

Visitors throw coins into a small wishing pond. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Patterned path and sand gardens. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Visitors climb their way up the stone steps around the Ginkakuji Temple gardens. Kyoto, Japan

A bamboo strap and pole make for an effective visitor path barrier. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

A bamboo mat covers a small patch of mud keeping visitors feet dry. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Kannonden or the Silver Pavilion with the Japanese phoenix or ‘Ho-Oo’ standing on top, Kyoto, Japan

Visitor numbers are often high at the popular Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Stone path and pine trees in the Ginkakuji Temple Gardens. Kyoto, Japan

Please do not touch the Ginshaden sand layout sign. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

The wooden Kogetsudai sign sitting on the sand layout. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

A metal sign near the entrance of the Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

A woman looks at a large map of the Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Visitors admire the Ginshadan sand layout with the Hojo building in the background. Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

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