Virtual Fushimi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #5 Genku-ji Temple

     Honen (1133-1212)  founded Jodo-shu Sect, the first independent branch of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism.  Ninku (?-?), who was a disciple of Honen, lived in a hut at the foot of Momoyama Hills.  Banzuii (1542-1615), a Jodo-shu priest, moved the temple to the present location in 1612 under the approval of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616).  The temple was burned down in 1848, only with the bell tower surviving.

     Honen 25 Precincts Pilgrimage was organized in the middle of 18th century with those remembered in connection with Honen.  Genku-ji Temple is #25 of it as well as #5 of Fushimi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.