[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Genkō-an Temple (Updated May)

Genko-an, located in Takagamine, Kyoto, is a special place where the beauty of autumn leaves and the spirit of Zen intersect✨. In autumn, the colorful trees paint the garden vividly, and the scenery reflected through the "Window of Enlightenment" and "Window of Confusion" is exceptional. The round "Window of Enlightenment" represents the universe and truth, while the square "Window of Confusion" symbolizes human suffering. The autumn leaves seen through the window are so beautiful that you forget time, and they quietly heal your soul🍁. It is also attractive that you can spend a moment facing yourself while feeling the time flowing slowly in silence. Please visit us to experience the deep emotions unique to autumn✨. #DomesticTravelTrip #Genko-an #AutumnLeaves #Kyoto

Located in Kita-ku, Kyoto. The two "windows of enlightenment", one square and one round, It was originally the first choice for visiting. Unexpectedly, we were stopped at the door due to some matters. Not too colorful courtyards, corridors, The bonsai pieces are arranged in a unique way. The sound of footsteps tapping...a new scene with every step. Unconsciously lingering.

| Genko-an. Genko-an is located in the Takamine area of Kita-ku, Kyoto. Compared to the bustling Higashiyama Kiyomizu-dera area, this place is particularly quiet, with relatively few tourists. It is a low-key yet charming spot for maple viewing. Upon arriving at the outskirts of Genko-an, the first thing that catches your eye is the red maple and green pine trees in the parking lot, creating a striking contrast like a vibrant painting. Many visitors stop here to take photos. To enter Genko-an, you need to pay an entrance fee of 400 yen. Most temples in Kyoto only accept cash, so it's advisable to prepare some change in advance. At the entrance, you need to take off your shoes. The temple thoughtfully provides plastic bags for visitors to carry their shoes, keeping them clean and convenient. The most iconic features of Genko-an are the "Window of Enlightenment" and the "Window of Delusion," located indoors. These are the soul of the temple and the reason why countless visitors come here. ★ The Window of Enlightenment is round, symbolizing completeness and enlightenment. ★ The Window of Delusion is square, representing constraints and the mundane world. The two windows complement each other, creating a unique Zen-like landscape with the dry landscape garden outside. Compared to the dry landscape of Ryoan-ji, Genko-an's garden may be smaller, but with the unique autumn red maple leaves, it still captivates visitors. Even though the red leaves have not reached their peak, it is already a sight worth savoring.

Five-day tour in Japan, enjoy Tokyo and Osaka! Here comes a super practical guide that will take you on a relaxing trip and ensure you don’t miss any beautiful sights or delicious food. Save it now! / Japan, located in eastern Asia, is an island country🏝️. It has a long historical background📜 and unique regional style, and people often call it the Land of Cherry Blossoms🌸. From Mount Fuji🗻 to the ancient streets of Kyoto, there are beautiful views everywhere! / 🗓Travel route: DAY1: Arrive at Osaka Airport——Check in at Kyoto Hotel After arriving at Osaka Airport, check in at the Kyoto Hotel, take a rest and adjust to the jet lag, and prepare to start your wonderful trip to Japan! DAY2: Kinkakuji Temple – Ryoanji Temple – Genkoan Temple Visit the magnificent Kinkaku-ji Temple, feel the tranquility of Ryoan-ji Temple, and then go to Genkoan to find peace of mind. A day trip, immersed in the influence of history and culture. DAY3: Kiyomizu Temple - Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka - Fushimi Inari Taisha - Nara Park Visit the ancient Kiyomizu Temple, stroll through the quaint Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, then go to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to experience the magnificence of the Thousand Torii Gates, and finally arrive at Nara Park for close contact with the cute deer. DAY4: Universal Studios Japan Enjoy Universal Studios Japan all day, experience fun rides and exciting movie-themed areas, and unleash your passion and joy! DAY5: Osaka Airport - Return to China After a pleasant trip to Japan, we headed to Osaka Airport and set off on our return journey with full of memories and gains. / 🎒 Travel essentials: Things to bring when traveling to Japan 📞 Prepare a phone card so that you can have uninterrupted internet access and travel with peace of mind. 🔌 A plug converter is essential, don’t forget it if the voltage is different. 🪪 Be sure to bring your ID with you, including a visa and passport. 👚 Clothing should be in season. It’s cold in Japan in December, so you need to prepare thick clothes. 🔋 Charger and power bank, it’s fun only when they are fully charged. / 🌟After exploring every corner of Japan, don’t forget to leave your footprints and memories! 🌟

Take your kids to Japan and visit Universal Studios Japan! It's perfect for family trips. Check out this 5-day itinerary! -------------------- 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Osaka Airport, transfer to your hotel in Kyoto, and get ready for an exciting trip to Japan! 🛫🏨 Day 2: Kinkaku-ji Temple - Ryoan-ji Temple - Genko-an Temple Visit the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, the tranquil Ryoan-ji Temple, and the Zen Genko-an Temple for a day of Zen. 🏯🙏 Day 3: Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka - Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Nara Park Visit the ancient Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stroll along the historic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and finally head to Nara Park to get up close with the deer. 🦌🏞️ Day 4: Universal Studios Japan Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, enjoy the fun rides and exciting shows, and have a great time! 🎢🎉 Day 5: Depart from Osaka Airport and return home with fond memories of your unforgettable trip to Japan. 🛬🌟 -------------------- ## Must-see attractions: **Universal Studios Japan** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture Opening hours: December 7–8, 9:00 am–8:00 pm Recommended visit time: 1 day Universal Studios Japan has thrilling rides, a Nintendo theme park to relive your childhood, a fun Minions area, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to explore. It's perfect for family trips! **Nara Park** ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Zoshicho, Kasuganocho, Noboriojicho, Takabatakecho, Nara, Nara Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Recommended visit time: 1 day At Nara Park, you can get up close with hundreds of wild sika deer and experience the harmony and beauty of nature. Don't forget to visit the surrounding attractions and experience the history and culture. -------------------- Travel essentials: 🎌 Going to Japan? Don't forget these! 📞 Get a SIM card so you can make calls and use the Internet. 🔌 Don't forget a plug adapter. Japan uses a different voltage. 🪪 Make sure you have all your documents. Don't forget your visa and passport. 👚 If you're going to Japan in December, bring a thick coat and warm clothes so you don't get cold! Remember these tips for a smooth trip to Japan! 🌟 -------------------- A trip to Japan is not only a spiritual journey but also a feast for the taste buds. We hope you have a great trip! 🌟

Speaking of Kyoto commercials, here is the setting for the familiar JR Central commercial "Let's go to Kyoto" in 2014 💁Today we are introducing "Genkoan" in the Takagamine area of ​​Kyoto. After renovation work that began in 2019, it has been open to the public since last year! ⭐️Highlights of this spot-------- The most typical ones here are the round window and the square window🪟The autumn leaves seen through these windows are very beautiful, and a truly picturesque scene unfolds there✨These windows are filled with the teachings of Zen, and each has the following meaning👇▪️The round window is called the "window of enlightenment," and this round circle represents the mind of "Zen and Entsū" and expresses the "great universe"▪️The square window is called the "window of confusion," and the square symbolizes "the life of a human being," and represents the four sufferings of birth, illness, and death. Please try to face your confidence in front of this window☺️However, during the crowded autumn leaves period, you will be busy taking photos, so please be careful not to have time to meditate slowly⚠️ ⭐️Spots you might want to stop by nearby-------- Just outside Genko-an, there is "Koetsu-ji Temple" "There is a temple called "Genko-an"I'm sorry I can't introduce it with photos, but the approach to this temple is also worth seeing as it is a tunnel of autumn leaves, so please stop by! ・Visiting hours: 8:00-17:00・Visiting fee: 400 yen---------------------------- That's all! What do you think? There are not many spots where you can see the autumn leaves through a window, so why not try this one too! ~~~~~Information~~~~~📍Genko-an Address: 47 Kitatakagamine-cho, Takagamine, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto PrefectureAccess: From Kyoto Station, board city bus 6 bound for Kyoto Station, get off in front of Takagamine Genko-an, walk for 1 minute, total 45 minutesVisiting hours: 9:00-17:00Visiting fee: 400 yenRecommendation: It's quite a hidden gem! ⚠Caution: Please be considerate at photo spots~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #Domestic travel journal #Domestic travel

Takamineyama Hojurin Genkoan in Kyoto City The round window in the main hall is named the "Window of Enlightenment". The circular shape of the Window of Enlightenment represents the spirit of "Zen and Entō", and the circle represents the universe. The autumn leaves peeking through the "Window of Enlightenment" are very beautiful and tasteful. The garden in the temple grounds is well-maintained, and this is also one of its attractions. 🍁Best time to see autumn leaves: mid- to late November 📍Address: 4-7 Kitatakamine-cho, Takamine, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8468 Soto Zen 🕰️Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 💰Price per person: Adults 400 yen (junior high school students and above) *500 yen during autumn leaves season, children 200 yen (elementary school students) #0 yen travel autumn

It is a few minutes from the bus stop in front of Takamine Genko-an. The main hall's Window of Enlightenment and Window of Mayoi are famous, and the color of the windows seems to change depending on the season. The autumn leaves are beautiful, but the number of people increases, so I visited in the season of fresh greenery. The grounds are well maintained and very calming. I would like to come again. The blood ceiling in the main hall is a relic of Fushimi Momoyama Castle, and is said to represent the memorial service for Torii Mototada, a loyal retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was killed in battle against the forces of Ishida Mitsunari, and the samurai who took their own lives. #KyotoTrip #Genko-an #TravelWithMe #0YenTrip

Genko-an, a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, was used in a famous Kyoto commercial 🍁 I was able to go there just in time for the best viewing! The autumn leaves peeking through the windows named "Window of Enlightenment" and "Window of Mayoi" are spectacular! Beyond each of the round and square windows is a beautiful garden, where the autumn leaves were colored bright red ✨ The round window of the "Window of Enlightenment" represents Zen and Entsū, and the square window "Window of Mayoi" represents life, death, illness, and the fourfold suffering. Access: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kita-ku, Takamine-cho 4-7 (Get off at the Takamine Genko-an-mae bus stop) #Kyoto #AutumnLeaves

🌸🏯Every detail in the Genkoan Garden shows the essence of traditional Japanese culture. I saw beautifully manicured pots and a variety of plants! They exude vitality and beauty under the sunlight. I strolled along the trail, listening to the birds singing and the sound of flowing water, feeling the harmony and tranquility of nature. What amazed me most was the beautiful Japanese garden. 🌿🍃It is carefully designed into a charming landscape with lush grass, clear ponds and stone arrangements. I saw a small bridge across the pond, as if leading to a mysterious place belonging to the Japanese world. I walked along the path to the bridge and looked out over the grounds, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility. In summary, Genkoan is a place with a beautiful Japanese garden. 🌸🏯The Japanese-style garden here is like a Zen state, making people feel calm and harmonious. If you love Japanese culture and traditional gardens, I highly recommend visiting this place and immersing yourself in this quiet journey, feeling the beauty and inner peace! #JapaneseGarden #Japan's must-visit check-in spots

Date of photo: 2022.11.26 Spot: Genko-an Address: 47 Kitatakagamine-cho, Takagamine, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8468 Genko-an is known for its round window named "Enlightenment Window" and square window named "Mayoi Window", which have been used frequently in Kyoto tourism commercials. The round shape of the Enlightenment Window represents the spirit of "Zen and Entsu", and the circle represents the universe. The Genko-an main hall has a round window named "Enlightenment Window" and a square window named "Mayoi Window". The round shape of the Enlightenment Window represents the spirit of "Zen and Entsu", and the circle represents the universe. The square shape of the Mayoi Window symbolizes "the life of a human being" and represents the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness, and death. The square shape of the Mayoi Window symbolizes "the life of a human being" and represents the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness, and death. In addition, the ceiling of the main hall is said to be the "blood ceiling," as it is made from floorboards that had blood on them when Ieyasu's loyal retainers, who were defeated by Ishida Mitsunari in the year of the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), committed suicide at Fushimi Castle. #KyotoTourism #CoupleTrip #BreathtakingView #AutumnFoliage

The picture frame-like windows are lovely. I'd love to see the new recordings and the autumn leaves.

Two windows, one side, one round. The round window on the left side of the church is called "The Window of Epiphany", which represents Zen, wisdom and the entire universe. The square window on the right side is called "the window of confusion", which represents the obsessive world of the world, the old and the sick that can't escape, and the four bitterness and suffering. A small window, through the four seasons of change, gives everyone a different view of the window. In the simplest form, the Kyoto people expounded the profoundness of Zen culture. This is the form that Japanese aesthetics should combine with thinking. In addition to quietly watching the windows that bring autumn colors into our horizons, let's take a look at this little one. Walking away from the temple, you can always belong to your quiet and red, yellow and green leaves at the foot. Right, there is a red maple tree in front of the church. It is the most complete and magnificent red maple tree I have ever seen in Kyoto. How good it is to stay.

The source of light is considered to be a small spot in the Kyoto Maple Leaf season. Compared with the glazed light house that has lost the original elegance, I love the nearby source. Two windows, one side, one round. The round window on the left side of the church is called "The Window of Epiphany", which represents Zen, wisdom and the entire universe. The square window on the right side is called "the window of confusion", which represents the obsessive world of the world, the old and the sick that can't escape, and the four bitterness and suffering. A small window, through the four seasons of change, gives everyone a different view of the window. In the simplest form, the Kyoto people expounded the profoundness of Zen culture. This is the form that Japanese aesthetics should combine with thinking. In addition to quietly watching the windows that bring autumn colors into our horizons, let's take a look at this little one. Walking away from the temple, you can always belong to your quiet and red, yellow and green leaves at the foot.