About Kennin-ji Temple
Kennin-ji Temple is the head temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Founded in 1202 by Zen Master Eisai, it is known as the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is a highly prestigious temple, ranked third among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, and boasts a history of approximately 800 years.
The temple grounds offer numerous attractions, including a dry landscape garden, valuable screen paintings, and a tea room. Its convenient location within walking distance of the Gion entertainment district makes it popular with both domestic and international visitors.
Main Highlights
Ceiling Painting of the Dharma Hall: “Twin Dragons”
The enormous “Twin Dragons” painting, covering the ceiling of the Dharma Hall and spanning 108 tatami mats, was donated in 2002 by Japanese painter Junji Koizumi. The two dragons, painted over two years, create a breathtaking spectacle as they look down from the ceiling. The dragon is depicted in such a way that it appears to make eye contact with the viewer from any angle; the technique is a must-see.
Dry Landscape Garden “Daioen”
The “Daioen” garden in front of the Hojo (abbot’s quarters) is a dry landscape garden composed of white sand and large rocks. Centered around the three sacred stones, ripples of white sand representing the vast ocean spread out, visualizing the spiritual world of Zen. Sitting on the veranda and quietly gazing at it offers a calming experience.
Tawaraya Sōtatsu’s “Fujin Raijin-zu Byōbu” (Wind God and Thunder God Folding Screen)
The “Fujin Raijin-zu Byōbu” (Wind God and Thunder God Folding Screen), a masterpiece by Tawaraya Sōtatsu and designated a National Treasure, is owned by Kennin-ji Temple. Currently, the original is on deposit at the Kyoto National Museum, but a high-definition digital reproduction is on permanent display within the temple grounds, allowing for close-up viewing. The dynamic figures of Fujin and Raijin against a gold background make it one of the most famous works in the history of Japanese art.
Kaiho Yushō’s Wall Paintings
The wall paintings by Kaiho Yushō, a painter of the Momoyama period, including “Cloud Dragon” and “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove,” are designated as Important Cultural Properties. In particular, the ink painting of the Cloud Dragon adorning the Hojo (abbot’s quarters) is incredibly powerful, with the dragon depicted with such forceful brushstrokes that it seems as if it could come to life at any moment.
Tea Room “Tōyōbō”
Eisai Zenji is known for bringing tea seeds to Japan along with Zen Buddhism from China, and Kennin-ji Temple is said to be the birthplace of tea. The tea room “Tōyōbō” on the temple grounds continues this tradition.
The Circle, Triangle, Square Garden
Located north of the Hojo, the “Circle, Triangle, Square Garden” is a modern garden expressing the four great principles of Zen Buddhism: earth, water, fire, and wind. It features a garden design that expresses the truth of the universe using simple shapes—circles, triangles, and squares—a modern interpretation of the spirit of Zen. ## Points to Note When Visiting
Visiting Hours and Admission Fees
- Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
- Admission Fee: General 600 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 300 yen, Elementary School Students 200 yen
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 60-90 minutes for a leisurely visit
Recommended Visiting Route
- Enter through the Reception/Hojo and admire the replica of the Fujin Raijin painting.
- Enjoy a leisurely view of the Daiyuen from the veranda.
- Admire the Kaiho Yusho’s screen paintings in each room.
- Experience the Zen worldview in the 〇△□ Garden.
- Look up at the Twin Dragon painting in the Hatto (the ceiling painting is a must-see).
- Visit other gardens such as the Chōon-tei.
Regarding Photography
Photography is permitted in the temple grounds, including the gardens and buildings, but some artworks, such as the screen paintings, are prohibited. However, you may photograph the twin dragon painting in the main hall; please feel free to capture it as a memento.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Weekday mornings and immediately after opening are relatively less crowded. While it gets crowded during the autumn foliage season (mid-November to early December) and cherry blossom season, early morning visits are recommended.
Benefits and Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Benefits
Kennin-ji Temple, as a Zen temple, is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Mental concentration through Zen meditation and strolling through the temple grounds
- Academic Success: Benefiting from the academic virtues of Zen Master Eisai
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: The power of the dragon god depicted in the Twin Dragon painting
- Health and Longevity: Prayers for good health as the founder of the tea ceremony
Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Kennin-ji Temple offers several types of goshuin:
- Goshuin of the Principal Image “Shakyamuni Buddha”
- Goshuin of the Founder “Zen Master Eisai”
- Goshuin of sub-temples such as Ryosoku-in (usually not open to the public, only available during special openings)
Goshuin can be obtained at the reception desk of the main hall (donation of 300 yen). Original goshuin notebooks are also available for purchase.
Access
Access by Train
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Keihan Railway “Gion-Shijo Station”
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Hankyu Railway “Kawaramachi Station”
- From JR Kyoto Station, take City Bus Route 206 and get off at “Higashiyama Yasui” bus stop, then a 5-minute walk.
Access by Bus
- 5 minutes on foot from the City Bus “Higashiyama Yasui” bus stop
- 7 minutes on foot from the City Bus “Gion” bus stop
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot, but there are coin-operated parking lots nearby. However, the roads in the Gion area are narrow, so using public transportation is strongly recommended.
Address
584 Komatsu-cho, Shijo-sagaru, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0811
Nearby Attractions
Kennin-ji Temple is located in the heart of Gion, and there are many tourist attractions nearby:
- Yasaka Shrine (10-minute walk): A shrine famous for the Gion Festival
- Hanamikoji (5-minute walk): Gion’s geisha district where geishas and maiko can be seen
- Kodai-ji Temple (15-minute walk): A temple associated with Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (20-minute walk): A World Heritage Site representing Kyoto
Summary
Kennin-ji Temple, as Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, is a renowned temple possessing both historical and artistic value. The power of the Twin Dragons painting, the elegance of the Wind God and Thunder God painting, and the tranquility of the dry landscape garden—each leaves a deep impression on the hearts of visitors. When you’re strolling around Gion, be sure to stop by. You’ll have a valuable experience that allows you to connect with the spirit of Zen.
