Kennin-ji

Temple

Part of Gion

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥600

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. Founded 1202 by Eisai, who brought Zen and tea to Japan. Twin Dragons ceiling painting, Fujin-Raijin screen (reproduction; originals in Kyoto National Museum).

Founded 1202 by the monk Eisai, who brought Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation from China—making this the birthplace of Japanese tea culture. Located in the middle of Gion but quiet inside. The Dharma Hall ceiling has a Twin Dragons painting by Koizumi Junsaku, 11.4 × 15.7 meters, completed 2002 for the 800th anniversary. The temple displays reproductions of Tawaraya Sotatsu's Fujin-Raijin (Wind and Thunder Gods) screen; originals are in Kyoto National Museum. Several Zen gardens including the minimalist Circle-Triangle-Square garden. Public zazen sessions regularly.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining inside the temple. The surrounding Gion district offers an enormous selection of restaurants, from traditional kaiseki and teahouses to casual izakayas along Hanamikoji-dori.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kennin-ji?

Kennin-ji sits between Gion and the Kamogawa river. From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, walk 7 minutes south. From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, walk 10 minutes east-south. From Kyoto Station, city bus #206 to 'Higashiyama Yasui' stop (about 15 minutes, 230 yen) puts you a 5-minute walk away. Many visitors find it accidentally while walking south through Gion's Hanamikoji-dori.

What's the entry fee for Kennin-ji?

Adult admission is 600 yen, junior-high and elementary 300 yen. The fee includes the Hojo (with the Twin Dragons ceiling and rock gardens), the Hatto (Dharma Hall), and views of the Choontei garden. The reproduction of the famous Fujin-Raijin (Wind & Thunder Gods) folding screens by Tawaraya Sotatsu is also displayed (the original is at Kyoto National Museum). Cash and credit cards accepted. Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM).

When is the best time to visit Kennin-ji?

Spring (early April for cherry blossoms in the courtyard) and autumn (mid-November for foliage at Choontei garden) are most beautiful. Mornings just after the 10 AM opening are quietest. The temple is rarely as crowded as Kiyomizu-dera or Kinkaku-ji even in peak seasons, making it a calm refuge in busy Gion. Public zazen meditation sessions are held on the second Sunday morning of every month — free to attend, no reservation needed.

Can I try zazen meditation at Kennin-ji?

Yes — Kennin-ji holds public zazen sessions on the second Sunday of each month from around 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM (free, no reservation; arrive 15 minutes early). Sessions are held in Japanese but the form is universally accessible: short instructions on posture and breath, then 25-minute seated meditation periods separated by walking meditation. Wear comfortable, modest clothing; the temple provides cushions. The session ends with a brief talk from a senior monk.