Erwin Miyasaka: Ginkaku-ji Kyoto, the story of a name

Although it is called Ginkaku-ji, meaning “Temple of the Silver Pavilion", a name hinting at the even more famous Kinkaku-ji, “Temple of the Golden Pavilion”, the building of the temple was never painted in silver.

The origin of the name comes from the moonlight effect on the originally black lacquered walls, which was creating a silvery reflection on the pond’s water. However, at the last restoration the walls remained without the black lacquer, so the silver reflection is gone now.

Click on photo for higher resolution:
Ginkakuji, Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto
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EXIF Info:

 Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 28mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/400s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200
Kabuki play costume
 Yesterday’s Japan Photo:

Kabuki play costume

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