Genko-an — Attraction in Kyoto

** Genko-an Temple 源光庵 This temple called Genko-an is located in Takagamine which is western part of Kita-ku. It was established in 1346 as a temple of Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The highlights of the temple are its garden and the windows of two different shapes + ceiling boards, fusuma sliding doors of its main hall. Their Honzon 本尊 ( principal object of worship ) is a statue of Shaka-Nyorai.The garden made of a great ensemble of plants, flag stones and other structures create the elegant space which offers the sense of Japanese wabi-sabi. ( Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is a beauty of things modest and humble which is an element of Japanese culture ). The garden has long been admired as one of the best autumn views in Kyoto. On its backdrop is a borrowed landscape called Shakkei of Mt. Kitayama. This is another example of dried stone garden called Karesansui ( to see more examples Ryoanji - Daitokuji ) There are various types of momiji ( Japaese maples ) in the garden gradually turning colors to be enjoyed throughout the season. Those images are taken in mid-November of 2014, The impression of the garden changes with the change of the sunlight as well so it provides different atmosphere every moment from morning to sunset.

( Trans-word+ : TGM Kyoto Guide...

We visited Genko-an Temple as part of a guided E-bike tour, and it turned out to be one of the more fascinating stops of our trip. When we arrived, there were no other tourists around, which made the experience even more peaceful and immersive. The temple itself is beautiful, but what makes it truly unique is the ceiling—known as a “blood ceiling” (chitenjō).

These wooden boards originally came from Fushimi Castle and were repurposed at Genko-an in the 1600s. They still bear the bloody handprints and footprints of samurai who died during the castle’s siege, choosing to commit seppuku rather than be captured. The ceiling serves as a memorial and a haunting reminder of their sacrifice.

I had read something about these blood-stained ceilings before coming to Japan but didn’t know where to find one. Genko-an is actually one of three temples in Kyoto where you can see these historic boards. It was a powerful and unexpected surprise—and a deeply memorable part...

This is a small but unforgettable temple which you should not miss if you visit Kyoto. Admission is ¥400, and it's completely worth it. The main hall's ceiling is built with blood-stained floorboards salvaged from Fushimi Castle, where Torii Mototada and his 380 samurai made their final stand and committed seppuku in 1600. Looking up, you can still make out handprints, footprints, and dark stains in the wood.

Balancing that somber history is a beautiful garden and two striking windows: the round "Window of Enlightenment" and the square "Window of Confusion," each carrying deep Zen symbolism. The contrast between the peaceful setting and the chilling story behind the ceiling makes this place truly unique. Goshuin are available as pre-made sheets rather than written directly in books, but that didn’t take away from the experience. Genko-an left a strong impression on us, both serene and eerie at...