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As part of the Kyoto Gozan (the leading temple of Zen Buddhism), Kenninji is one of the oldest and most important Zen temples in the city. The temple and its buildings stand tall and proud as the head of 70 other shrines throughout the country. Tourists come here to see the traditional artwork and the pretty Zen gardens.
Enter the Hattou building, which is used as a main hall. It shows off a classical pent roof, and statues of deities and legendary Japanese priests. Browse the pieces of art in the temple, such as the screen-door paintings of the wind and thunder gods. Marvel at the Twin Dragons work, which marked the 800-year anniversary of the temple in 2002.
Amble through the Chouontei Garden to enjoy its calm atmosphere and mossy setting. Meditate among maple trees at the San-zon-seki, a set of spiritual rocks that represent important Zen Buddhism themes. View the Circle Triangle Square Garden by the priest’s living quarters; it symbolizes all matter in the universe. Head to the teahouse, which was built in 1587.
The temple is part of the Rinzai tradition of Zen and was founded in 1202. It claims to be the oldest of its kind in the city. The monk credited with bringing Zen to the country is buried here. Over the centuries, the shrine has been ravaged by fire. As a result, it has been rebuilt several times.
The site is open in the afternoons, and there is an admission fee. It is situated just south of the Gion area, surrounded by the avenues of Shijō and Gojo. Take a train to Gion-Shijō Station, which is just a few minutes from the temple on foot. The station is in the Higashiyama ward, in the northeast of the city, and it can be reached via the Keihan Main Line.
Like to make your stop at Kenninji Temple even more memorable? Don't miss the chance to try one or two of these things to do:
Want to experience this famous attraction in the best possible way? Then you can't go past a Scholar-Led Shintoism & Buddhism Walking Tour.
If you'd like even more activities, peruse our Kyoto things to do page.
Per night/room
Dec 18 - Dec 19
Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Nishihonganji Temple, Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Aquarium. Higashi Honganji Temple and Toji Temple are also within 1 mile (2 km). Kyoto Toji Station is 12 minutes by foot and Kujo Station is 16 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 18 - Dec 19
Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Kyoto TERRSA, Kyoto Tower and Higashi Honganji Temple. Sanjusangendo Temple and Kyoto Aquarium are also within 1 mile (2 km). Kujo Station is 9 minutes by foot and Kyoto Station is 5 minutes.
Per night/room
Jan 9 - Jan 10
Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is steps away from Kiyamachi Street and Pontocho. Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market are also within 10 minutes. Sanjo Keihan Station and Kyoto Sanjo Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Located in Gion, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market. Kodaiji Temple and Hokanji Temple are also within 15 minutes. Kyoto Gion-Shijo Station is only a 3-minute walk and Sanjo Keihan Station is 9 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi. Shijo Omiya and Pontocho are also within 10 minutes. Shijo Station and Kyoto Karasuma Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Jan 6 - Jan 7
Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is steps away from Kiyamachi Street and Pontocho. Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market are also within 10 minutes. Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station is 5 minutes by foot and Shiyakusho-mae Station is 5 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 18 - Dec 19
Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Shijo Omiya, Kawaramachi and Nijō Castle. Nishiki Market and Kyoto Imperial Palace are also within 2 miles (3 km). Nijojo-mae Station is 7 minutes by foot and Kyoto Omiya Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Jan 5 - Jan 6
Located in the heart of Kyoto, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Kyoto TERRSA and Kyoto Tower. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are also within 1 mile (2 km). Kujo Station is only a 5-minute walk and Jujo Station is 15 minutes.
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