Genkoan

4.5

A Soto school Buddhist temple located in the Takagamine area of Kita Ward, Kyoto City. The temple was founded in 1346 by the priest Tetto. The temple’s “Window of Bewilderment” and “Window of Enlightenment” are frequently presented in television programs and guidebooks. It is said that one will gain insights and be led further towards enlightenment by first gazing at the temple garden through the square Window of Bewilderment, representative of human life, and re-examining one’s life so far, then gazing through the round Window of Enlightenment, which expresses a Zen state of mind and represents the cosmos. The temple is also famous for the main hall’s “Bloody Ceiling,” which was once the floor of Fushimi Castle and vividly portrays the tragedy of the castle’s fall.

Spot details

Address: Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Takagaminekitatakagaminechou 47 Map
Area: Around Kamigamo Area
Phone: 0754921858
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Admission fee] [Adult] 400yen (autumn leaves 500yen) [Children] 200yen
Parking Lot: Available(15spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Not available
English Menu: Available
Estimated stay time: 0-30 minutes

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Review

enjoy the peace

Reviewed : 2023.06.01

A secluded Zen temple in Takagamine, Kita Ward, Kyoto City.The Window of Enlightenment and Window of Lostness and Blood Ceiling are the highlights here.In the fall, when you can enjoy the...
Photos of the windows are allowed now

Reviewed : 2016.11.21

I visited Genkoan in November 2016. It was allowed to take photos everywhere in the temple, including photos of the famous windows. Personnel working there are treating visitors kindly. On Nov.17th...
Tranquil and interesting

Reviewed : 2016.03.13

We came here early in the morning, not long after opening time, and the temple was completely empty. It felt like it rarely gets busy, so if youre looking for something away from the crowds, then...