The multistoried Kannonden Hall constructed by Yoshimasa ASHIKAGA is popularly known as 'Ginkaku' (Silver Pavilion) and the entire temple complex, of which the Kannonden Hall is part, is commonly known as 'Ginkaku-ji Temple.'
足利義政が造営した楼閣建築である観音殿を「銀閣」と通称し、観音殿を含めた寺院全体を「銀閣寺」と通称している。