Photos

Next picture of my visit of the Ginkaku-ji and its sand garden. This is one of the first thing you see entering the garden, after passing the gate at the end of this path. At the right, the silver pavilion itself and at the left the sea sand. See all three here. Kogetsudai or Moon-viewing Platform is a cone shaped structure rising 2 meters into the air. Some believe it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others say it was designed as a simple mound of sand used to replenish the walkways. Still others say that the cones of this type (they are located in other temples in Japan) are meant to reflect divine light into the hearts of the visitors. No matter what the true purpose is, the Kogetsudai illuminates the Silver Pavilion on moonlight nights, making for a magnificent sight. In addition, it is said that from above the Silver Pavilion the Kogetsudai upon the Ginshaden resembles the silvery full moon reflected in a deep lake.