玄昌寺

Overview

Gensho-ji is a Soto Zen temple in the Sugihara area of Miyagawa-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kuunzan and its principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha. Known as the 19th station of the Hida Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, it also draws visitors seeking the Koyasu Kannon, said to grant safe childbirth, at a site of prayer preserved through repeated fires.

Highlights

• ●The Idaten image attributed to Enku, a designated cultural property of Hida City
• ●The Koyasu Kannon of this pilgrimage station, renowned for safe childbirth
• ●The pilgrimage air of the 19th station of the Hida Thirty-Three Kannon route
• ●Halls preserved through fires from the Genna and Bunsei eras into Meiji

History

The exact date of its founding is unknown, but in 1620, during the Edo period, it was revived by Kakuo Monetsu, the second abbot of Sogen-ji in Takayama. After being destroyed by fire in 1821, it was rebuilt in 1823 by Kyoho Rinzan, the tenth abbot. Yet in 1896 it suffered fire once more, and many documents and temple treasures were lost. The present halls were laid out in 1902 by the nineteenth abbot, Shuzan Kyoho. An image of Idaten attributed to the monk-sculptor Enku, designated a cultural property of Hida City, and the Koyasu Kannon of the pilgrimage station escaped the flames and continue to be revered today.

Map

36.4149, 137.1900 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from central Hida to Gensho-ji in Sugihara, Miyagawa-cho
2. 2Bow at the gate and visit the grounds of Kuunzan Gensho-ji
3. 3Reflect on the devotion surrounding Enku's Idaten image and the Koyasu Kannon
4. 4Afterward, enjoy the nature along the Miyagawa River and the Hida countryside

Did you know?

💡 Through repeated fires, the Idaten image said to be carved by Enku and the Koyasu Kannon image both escaped the flames. The Koyasu Kannon in particular is believed to bless safe childbirth and gathers deep local devotion.

Nearby spots