Ginkaku, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Built in the late 15th century by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it was designed as a retreat and a place for meditation. The temple is renowned for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the principles of Zen aesthetics. Despite its name, Ginkaku was never actually covered in silver. Instead, it is celebrated for its understated elegance and harmony with nature. The surrounding gardens feature carefully arranged landscapes, including a sand garden known as the Ginshadan, which symbolizes the moonlight on water.