Kenninji Temple: Kyoto's Oldest Zen Sanctuary
Discover Kyoto's oldest Zen temple: serene gardens, stunning art, and a journey into Japanese Zen Buddhism in the heart of Gion.
Founded in 1202 by Eisai, Kenninji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, located just south of the Gion district. It's a serene escape offering a glimpse into Zen Buddhism and Japanese art, featuring gardens, painted dragons, and the iconic Wind and Thunder Gods screen.
A brief summary to Kenninji Temple
- 大和大路通四条下るKomatsucho, ５８４番地, Kyoto, Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, JP
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- Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Take your time to explore the gardens and appreciate the details of the Zen landscape.
- Look for the twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall, commissioned in 2002 to commemorate the temple's 800th anniversary.
- Consider visiting nearby temples like Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine to make the most of your time in the Higashiyama district.
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Getting There
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Walking
From Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line) or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line), walk south on Hanamikoji Street for about 10 minutes. Kenninji Temple will be located at the end of Hanamikoji Street. No costs are associated with this final approach.
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus routes 100, 12, 46, 202, 206, or 207 to Gion. Get off at the Higashiyama Yasui bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes. The fare for a single bus ride within the flat fare zone is ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children. Consider purchasing a Kyoto Subway and Bus One-Day Pass for ¥1100 if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
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Taxi
From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Kenninji Temple will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The taxi fare will likely be between ¥2,090 and ¥2,688, considering the distance and starting fare. Note that the starting fare for a taxi in Kyoto is ¥490-¥620 for the first 1.5km.
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