Page 195 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

The bucolic setting of
Ginkaku-ji, also known
as the Silver Pavilion

from the earlier design, At the southern end of the renaissance now referred to
including the outdoor stage, park is a delightful pond with as Higashiyama culture. In
pillars, and large acoustic an arched bridge. This is all tribute to his grandfather,
earthenware jars. Regular that re mains of one of several who covered Kinkaku­ji in gold
performances are held at the noble families’ estates that leaf (p199), Yoshimasa had
theater, usually on the last occupied much of what is now intended to finish his pavilion
Sunday of the month. Look park land. From the bridge is in silver. However, the ruinous
out for exhibitions of Noh cos­ an unobstructed view all the Onin War thwarted that
tumes and masks in the lobby. way north to the Kenreimon, ambition. Minus its final
the majestic gate in the middle coating, the graceful Silver
of the south wall, which may Pavilion now shines with
be used only by the emperor. the patina of age.
15 "'
Kyoto Imperial
Palace
16 "
京都御所
Ginkaku-ji (Silver
 C3 ⌂ 3 Kyoto-Gyoen Pavilion) EAT
Kamigyo-ku  Imadegawa
Stn, Karasuma line § (075) 銀閣寺 Kichikichi
211-1215 # 9am–5pm Tue–  E3 ⌂ 2 Ginkakuji-cho Enjoy chef Motokichi
Sun (to 4:30pm Mar & Sep; Sakyo-ku § (075) 771-5725 Yukimura’s omurice
to 4pm Oct–Feb) ¢ Dec 28– @ 100 to Ginkaku-ji-mae (omelet on top of
Jan 4, public hols # Mar–Nov: 8:30am–5pm fried rice).
daily; Dec–Feb: 9am–
With its stately pines and 4:30pm daily  D4 ⌂ 185-4
vistas of the Higashiyama, Zaimokucho, Sanjo
the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park Ginkaku­ji – actual name, Pontocho-dori Kudaru,
(Kyoto Gyoen) is a spacious Jisho­ji; English nickname, Nagoya-ku ∑ kichi2.net
oasis in the heart of the city. Silver Pavilion – is considered 
On its grounds are the Imperial by some to be an unequaled
Palace (Kyoto Gosho) and masterpiece of garden design; Gyoza Shop Gion
Sento Imperial Palace (Sento others find it overrated. But
Gosho), whose impressive the important role the temple This gem specializes in
stroll garden was built in has played in Japanese culture gyoza, fried dumplings.
1630. The Imperial Household is indisputable. Within its walls  D4 ⌂ 373-3
Agency (Kunaicho), where the tea cere mony, flower Kiyomotocho,
tickets are issued for the arrange ment, and ink painting Higashiyama-ku
imperial structures as well found new levels of refinement. § (075) 533-7133
as to Shugaku­in (p204) and The temple was originally 
Katsura villas (p203), is in the the mountain retreat of shogun
northwest corner. Remember Yoshimasa (1436–1490), who
to bring your passport. is remembered for an artistic
195

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