Genko-an

Temple of bloodshed, enlightenment and confusion

Edward Tseng Mar 21, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The famous "Window of Enlightenment" at Genko-an</p>

<p>The "Chitenjou" (Bloody Ceiling) sign at the entrance of Genko-an</p>

<p>A mini souvenir shop, where you pay for admission (400 yen)</p>

<p>A corner praying room with beautiful door art</p>

<p>Bloodstained footprints on the ceiling</p>

<p>An elegant gold-plated decoration hanging in front of the chanting table</p>

<p>Maybe I'm confused, but the "Window of Confusion" is just another ordinary window to me</p>

<p>As I looked through "Window of Enlightenment," I sensed peacefulness within me</p>

<p>Another footprint I found as I wandered around the temple</p>

<p>A hard-to-find bloodstained handprint on the ceiling</p>

<p>Take Bus 50, 9, 205, or 206 from Kyoto Station, transfer to Bus 6 or 1, and get-off at Genkoan-mae</p>

One of the famous features of Genko-an is its two windows, the "Window of Enlightenment" and the "Window of Confusion." The circular and rectangular windows give different effects when you look through them. Another is the "Bloody Ceiling." One can see 400-year-old bloodstained hand and foot prints on the ceiling. It was made using wood floors from Fushimi Castle, where soldiers loyal to Tokugawa Ieyasu were defeated and killed themselves. Next time you're in Kyoto, be sure to come to Genko-an to witness these incredible historical remains!

Edward Tseng @edward.tseng

I'm a streetphotographer as a hobby. Love to go on adventures and capture special moments through my camera lens. I love traveling around Japan to explore and learn about its traditional culture. My goal is to visit all the castles in Japan before I turn 50. I want to use my photos to show ever...