Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
The two-storied , is the main temple structure. Its construction began February 21, 1482 ("Bummei 14, fourth day of the second month"). The structure's design sought to emulate the golden Kinkaku-ji which had been commissioned by his grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It is popularly known as "Ginkaku", the "Silver Pavilion" because of the initial plans to cover its exterior in silver foil; but this familiar nickname dates back only as far as the Edo period (1600–1868).