Genko-an
Genko-an Temple in the north west of Kyoto is known for its garden and lovely autumn leaves and the bloody footprints visible on its ceiling.
Genko-an Temple, Kyoto 源光庵
The most well known features of Genkouan (源光庵) are two windows in the main hall that look out onto a less orderly, but no less inspiring, garden of flowering trees and stone lanterns. One window is square, representing four human afflictions: life, old age, illness, and death. The other is round, representing Zen awakening.
Turn away from these windows and walk over to the opposite wall. Just to the right of the center of the ceiling is a very clear footprint.
Entrance gate, Genkoan Temple, Kyoto
Genkoan Temple, Kyoto
Genkoan Temple, Kyoto
Genko-an
47 Kita-Takagamine-cho, Takagamine
Kita-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075 492 185
Hours: 9 am-5 pm
Admission: 400 yen
Genko-an is a 1-minute walk from the Takagamine Genko-an-mae bus stop reached by Kyoto buses #北1 from Kitaoji Bus Terminal and #6 from Nijo Station and Shijo Omiya.
Kyoto Accommodation
Text and Photos by Alan Wiren
Other Japan articles by Alan Wiren
