Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Despite the name, this pavilion was never actually covered in silver — its understated wood-and-plaster look is part of the charm. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built it as a retirement villa modeled on Kinkaku-ji, and its garden of cone-shaped raked sand (Ginshadan) is one of a kind. The Philosopher's Path running alongside it is a favorite walk, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf season.