Kyoto's Hidden Gem for Maple Viewing | Genko-an

| 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.