Kenninji Temple

4.5

A Rinzai Sect Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture and the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Erected thanks to funds donated by the Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie in 1202, the temple was founded by the priest Eisai and was modeled after Song China’s holy Mt. Bozhang. The temple is famous for its Image of Raijin and Fujin, a National Treasure created by famed painter Tawaraya Sotatsu, as well as its numerous other sliding screen paintings and treasures designated Important Cultural Properties. The temple is also well known for the beauty of its Japanese gardens, including a dry landscape garden containing a delicate arrangement of white sand, moss, and boulders. The imperial envoy gate contains arrow marks and is built with a gabled roof. The abbot’s chamber, moved here from the Ankoku-ji Temple in old Aki Province, and the Image of Paired Dragons, 108 tatami mats in size and painted on ceiling of the lecture hall in 2002, are both must-sees.

Spot details

Address: Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamato Daicho Route Shijo Shimo Le Komatsu Town Map
Area: Around Gion Area
Phone: 0755616363
Hours: 10:00-16:30 (Gates shut is 17:00)
Closed: 4/19/4/20, 6/4/6/5, Others There is a suspension Sunday due to the memorial service
Fees: [Admission fee] [Adult] 600yen [Junior and senior high school students] 300yen [Elementary school students] 200yen [less than Elementary school students] Free
Parking Lot: Available (39spaces) * Fee (30 minutes 250yen)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available (some areas only)
English Menu: Available (Pamphlet only)
Note: * Hours and holidays may change depending on the status of new coronavirus infection.
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes (indoor)
Average budget: [Lunch] 1-1,000yen
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes (Since there is a step, please lift it with an assistant to enter, tatami is not possible)
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Not available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Itineraries about this spot

Review

Hidden gem within walking distance central Kyoto and Gion

Reviewed : 2023.04.13

It seems this lovely temple is managing to avoid the hordes. We arrived at 10am on opening, removed our shoes and wandered the beautiful buildings, tatami mats, artworks and incredible roof painting...
Zen and beautiful

Reviewed : 2023.02.10

Amazing spot you do not want to miss. One of my favorite spots and Kyoto and much kess crowded. Should be higher on this list.
Enjoy the Zen

Reviewed : 2023.01.25

A lot quieter than other places, could spend hours just sitting down in the gardens and some really interesting art works.