Genzaki Grand Temple

The Genzaki Grand Temple [吃红尬方; げんざき・おうぼら] is a temple located in the city of Genzaki, Kawara Prefecture. Built by an order of monks in 1150, the temple underwent numerous alterations and renovations throughout the centuries, becoming larger and more decorated with each iteration. Before 1768, the site was known as Itakeshirutō. 
The temple has served both peasantry and nobles for centuries and was once a segregated temple [hankobora] with separate worship halls for the upper and lower classes respectively. These segregated spaces were merged together in 1870, during large-scale renovations, into one single worship hall. Within the temple, there are three enshrined deities: Kasshingami, Shūshō, and the harvest spirit Chi no Ibi, a folk god exclusively worshipped in Kawara Prefecture. In addition, there are a number of nendo dedicated to Yu clan nobles, recreated in the 19th century from heavily damaged and worn original artifacts.
Each year the Genzaki Folk Festival is held at the temple, and can draw up to 60,000 visitors.
Category:Temples