Kenninji Temple

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Kenninji Temple

Visit this Zen Buddhism temple for a slice of history, art and tranquility. It is said that the temple is the oldest of its kind in Kyoto.

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.

Guide to Exploring Kenninji Temple

Kiyomizu Temple

Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.

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Nijo Castle

Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.

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Fushimi Inari Shrine

This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.

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Philosopher's Walk

This is a great walk to orient yourself around Kyōto. Stroll along a cherry tree-lined canal and visit shrines, temples, gardens and boutiques.

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Eikando Temple


Explore this hillside temple which features a statue with an unusual history, connected wooden walkways, a bathhouse and a steam house.  

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Arashiyama Monkey Park

Watch as park staff feed about 130 wild snow monkeys on Arashiyama Mountain, or climb inside a cage and feed them yourself.

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Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

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Katsura Imperial Villa

Modelled on a setting in a novel, this site has one of Kyōto’s greatest traditional gardens and architectural treasures.

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Kyoto Tower

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.
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Kyoto International Manga Museum

This institution is the home of manga in Kyoto. It holds exhibitions, workshops and events devoted to the promotion of Japanese literary art.
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Heian Shrine

An important shrine for patriotic locals and curious tourists alike, this site has charming buildings and natural gardens that celebrate Kyoto’s fusion of past and present.
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Shimogamo Shrine

This shrine was dedicated to spirits in the 6th century. Now, it survives as the oldest of its kind in Kyoto, pre-dating the city itself.
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Kyoto National Museum

As one of the principal museums of Japan, this site displays fascinating artifacts across impressive structures to tell the story of Kyoto’s place in the country.
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Yasaka Shrine

Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.

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Ryoanji Temple

Features such as one of the most famous rock gardens in the country and a placid pond with charming islands distinguish this temple from others in the city.
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Tofukuji Temple

More than any other site, this shrine is celebrated for the unrivaled autumnal colors of the trees surrounding the spiritual Zen haven.
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Sanjusangendo Temple

This temple is the famous site where thousands of hand-carved deities from the 13th century flank the longest wooden building in Japan.
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Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

As a place that celebrates 20th-century contemporary art, this museum has innovative themes that are very different from traditional Kyoto culture.
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Nanzenji Temple

Art, elaborate gardens and a giant gate await at this temple that stands tall as one of the most important of its kind in the country.
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Honen-in Temple

This is a shrine devoted to a peaceful and learned environment with an impressive gate, natural greenery and a serene atmosphere.
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Toji Temple

The To-ji Temple is one of the preeminent traditional sites in Kyoto, with exquisite structures, a flea market and the tallest pagoda in the country.
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Ninnaji Temple

With picturesque blossom gardens and a golden hall considered a national treasure, this temple is a historic monument devoted to bliss and tranquility.
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Myoho-in Temple

This temple is a hidden gem with majestic halls that open to the public on select occasions.
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Kodaiji Temple

A widow built this temple in 1606 to pay homage to her late warrior husband. Today, it survives as an eye-catching site of tranquility with postcard-pretty gardens.
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Shoren-in-Temple

This temple borrows its graceful quality from the imperial family. It is home to traditional art, spiritual statues and a bamboo orchard.
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Nishiki Market

Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
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Ishibe Alley

Imagine life as it was during the Taisho Period as you explore this preserved Kyoto alley, complete with traditional teahouses, inns and kimono-clad hostesses.

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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

This shrine was created in 947 to mollify a furious spirit. Now, students and tourists gather to soak in the ambience of its traditional architecture and gardens.
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Entokuin Temple

Visitors come to this ancient site for its pleasant temple but stay to relish the nature and tranquility of its serene Zen garden.
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Shokoku-ji Temple

A major center of Zen Buddhism, this stylish, ancient relic is ranked as one of the great temples of Japan.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a stroll or a bicycle ride through this sublime forest to experience the otherworldly tranquility created by filtered sunlight and rustling bamboo leaves.

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