Is There Really No Silver in Ginkaku-ji?

When you hear the name Ginkaku-ji, or the “Silver Pavilion,” you might expect a glittering structure covered in silver. But here’s the twist: there’s no silver on the building at all. Built in the late 15th century by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Ginkaku-ji was meant to rival the dazzling Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). There are rumors that the original plan included covering the temple in silver foil to match its golden counterpart—but the silver covering was never completed, possibly due to war and financial troubles. Instead, the building’s natural wooden exterior has aged gracefully over the centuries, gaining its own unique beauty and atmosphere. Some visitors even say the weathered wood looks like silver in the moonlight. So yes, Ginkaku-ji is “silver” in name only—but its quiet elegance speaks for itself.