Japan - Kyoto - Silver Pavilion Temple (Ginkaku-ji)

Silver Pavilion Temple (Ginkakuji or Ginkaku-ji) in Kyoto dates back to the 15th century. The founder, whose grandfather built the Golden Pavilion, intended to cover the main structure in silver and named it accordingly, but the plan was never carried out. Thus, in a rather ironic twist, the building intended to be a monument to ostentation turned out to be a fine example of Japanese refinement and restraint. It is a simple two-story building with a serene wooden exterior. The temple complex includes lovely Japanese gardens.