Aug. 14, 2020 UPDATE

Kennin-ji Temple

- 建仁寺 -
Traveler Friendly
Information sheet available in different languages. Easy to access.
Information
Pamphlets available in German, Korean, French, Chinese, and English
Languages spoken
Japanese only
4766 56 7.0 1 reviews
Aug. 14, 2020 UPDATE

Kennin-ji Temple

- 建仁寺 -
Traveler Friendly
Information sheet available in different languages. Easy to access.
Information
Pamphlets available in German, Korean, French, Chinese, and English
Languages spoken
Japanese only
4766 56 7.0 1 reviews
Story & Recommendation
The garden of the oldest zen temple in Kyoto transcends earthly suffering
Located on Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion, is a temple known to be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. The founder of Kennin-ji Temple(Kenninji), Eisai, was a Buddhist monk recognized for bringing the Zen sect to Japan as well as the culture of tea ceremony. His tomb lies in the grounds of Kaisan-do (the Founder’s Hall) located within Kennin-ji Temple. Eisai was a major contributor to both history and culture of Japan and his appreciation towards art in particular is still cultivated in this temple. Kennin-ji is most famous for its twin dragons that are rather a new addition, having been finished only in 2002 for the 800th anniversary of the temple. There is indeed something modern in the way the dragons look, the great contrast the black background provides.
  • Sharing Kyoto Staff
    Yumemi's Comment
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    Erika's Comment
User Reviews
7.0 Great
experience7.0 access7.0 photogenic7.0
Lars
Nov. 06, 2018
Details
Open Hours
10.am - 5.pm
Reservations
Not accepted
Closed
December 28 - December 31 *dates may change every year
Price range
¥600/person ¥300/middle or highschool student ¥200/Elementary school student Free for children in elementary school and under.
Credit cards
Accepted only at the shop. Cash only for admission.
The shop accepts credit cards, but the entrance fee is cash only
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