Walking along the small path in the mountains, a serene ground surrounded by white walls appears. That is Genbin-an. A signboard at the gate, prohibiting photography, advises that the most important thing to savor the atmosphere of this place is to be "unconscious."
Stepping onto the grounds, it feels like a world beyond time and space is spreading out. The green of the trees stands out, and the carp living in the pond come in and out of view. It is truly a temple that fits the expression 'nestled in the mountains.'
It is recommended to take a break while enjoying the view of the garden. It will be a great opportunity to get away from the noise of the city and calm your mind.
Genbin-an is said to be the place where the monk Genbin, also known in the Noh drama 'Miwa,' lived in seclusion for training. In the back of the garden, remains of his training are protected by the Fudo Myo-o statue and a waterfall training site.
Visitors can step into the grounds at any time. However, it seems that by making a donation, you can visit even deeper places.
Genbin-an is a secluded temple filled with the fragrance of Zen, nestled in the mountains of Nara. Why not take a moment to contemplate the green of the trees and the carp in the pond? There is certainly a different world spread out there, different from your daily life.