The circular garden with the pond in the center represents a typical example of the Walk-Around-Pond design (pond-centered garden) in the Muromachi Period, and is listed as one of special national historical spots. The pond in front of the Golden Pavillion is called "Kyoko-chi" (Mirror Pond). Around the pond are located multiple miniature islands in various sizes including "Ashiwara-jima," as well as decorative rocks offered by various lords of the time who seeked favor from the shogun. The rocks are called after the names of the lords who offered them. The magnificient scenery of the garden with Kinugasa Mountain in the west as the background is esteemed as one of the most beautiful sceneries in Japan.
There are several more points to see in the garden. The "Pine Tree in Boat Shape" located at the north of the Hojo House is an example. The tree is considered one of the "Three Beautiful Pine Trees in Kyoto", and is said to have been planted by Yoshimitsu himself. Behind the Golden Pavillion, there is "Ginga-sen" (Silver River Fountain) whose water was used to make tea for the shogun. Also there is "Ganka-sui" (Under-Rock Water), used by the same shogun to wash his hands. At the "Dragon Gate Fountain," the stone named "Carp Stone" is placed, based on an old Chinese story entitled "Gate to Dragons," which describes a carp swimming its way up against a waterfall to transform into a dragon.
Far behind the Golden Pavillion there is an old pond named "An-min-taku" (Peaceful People Pond). On the island in the pond is located a small pagoda, "Hakuja-no-tsuka" (Mound in Memory of the White Snake).