Kenninji temple : History and Features about the oldest zen temple in Kyoto

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, located in the eastern part of the city, Higashiyama Ward. Visitors can explore its magnificent halls, tranquil gardens, and admire the intricate details of its architecture, which has been carefully preserved over the centuries.

History

Kennin-ji Temple was founded in 1202 when Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie donated land and invited Zen master Eisai to establish the temple. It served as the headquarters of Rinzai Zen Buddhism in Kyoto, but in 1469, the Onin War caused a devastating fire that destroyed most of the temple complex. The Hatto Hall was repaired in 1598, and the Hojo Hall (the abbot’s quarters) was rebuilt in 1599. In 1872, it became the head temple of the Rinzai Zen Kennin-ji sect.

Features

Kennin-ji Temple occupies a large area of approximately 1200 yd2 (1,000 m2) and consists of numerous structures.

There are three main entrances: the East Gate, the West Gate, and the South Gate. The East Gate, located on Hanami-koji Street in the Gion geisha district, is the most popular entrance.

Honbo Hall

Honbo Hall was originally the residence of the head priest. Today, it serves as a reception area for visitors to the Hojo Hall (abbot’s quarters) and Hatto Hall. Here you will also find magnificent folding screen depicting the wind god Fujin and the thunder god Raijin.

Hojo Hall 

Hojo Hall (the abbot’s quarters) is a spacious hall measuring 91 ft(27.6 m) by 68ft (20.7 m), which also serves as an exhibition hall. The rooms are adorned with fusuma sliding doors painted with exquisite murals such as the “Unryu-zu” (cloud dragon) and bird-and-flower paintings.

Hatto Hall

Hatto Hall is a building where monks traditionally gave lectures on Buddhism. It also is a place of worship, housing statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his two principal disciples, Mahakasyapa and Ananda.

The ceiling of the Hatto hall is adorned with a monumental painting of twin dragons, commissioned to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Kennin-ji Temple. 

These dragons are considered the guardians of the Buddhist Dharma and are often associated with the rain-bringing dragons that nourish the earth with the life-giving waters of the Buddhist teachings.

Three Gardens in Kennin-ji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple has three exquisite gardens, each offering a unique and tranquil experience.

Daio-en Garden

Daio-en is an extensive karesansui (Japanese dry garden). Composed of powerful rock arrangements, carefully manicured moss, sand ripples, and symbolic trees, this garden exudes a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors often lose track of time as they gaze out from the engawa (veranda) of the adjacent Hojo Hall.

Choon-en Garden

Choon-en is a courtyard garden with three main stone arrangements surrounded by maple trees. The garden is carefully designed to provide beautiful views from all four sides.

○△□ Garden

This unique garden features an innovative design with the shapes of a circle (○), triangle (△), and square (□) arranged in the garden. These shapes symbolize the basic forms of the universe.

For more information about the gardens

Toyo-bo

Toyo-bo is a tea house. It is located northwest of Kennin-ji Temple and can be seen by going down the stairs west of the Hodo (main hall) and walking along the approach. The tea master, Toyo-bo Chosho, moved it from its original location at Kotokuin Temple in Kamikyo Ward, Kyoto City, to its present location in 1921. It can be viewed from the outside.

Seiryoken

Seiryoken, a one-story wooden structure built in 1940, is a relatively recent addition to the temple complex. In this building, visitors can participate in the traditional practice of sutra copying.

Must-try tours and experiences

Private one-day tour

I recommend a private one-day tour. Kennin-ji Temple is located in the Higashiyama district, a popular tourist area. Within walking distance are Gion, the geisha area, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the most popular temple in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine with its approximately 1,400 years of rich history, Kodai-ji Temple with its beautiful gardens, and Maruyama Park, famous for cherry blossoms. I recommend a private one-day tour to visit these tourist attractions.

Private tour 
https://viator.tp.st/sMFjrBoX

Zazen (seated meditation) Experience

Kennin-ji Temple offers a 2-hour Zazen (seated meditation) and Dharma Talk session every second Sunday of the month (except August) beginning at 7:30 am. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

• Schedule: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Zazen (2 sessions of 20 minutes each), Dharma talk, and sutra chanting.
• Fee: Free
• How to apply: Please arrive at the reception of the Honbo Hall well before the 7:30 a.m. start time.
• No reservation required.

Notes for individual participants:

• Since zazen is practiced in the cross-legged position, it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing. Short skirts or tight pants are not recommended.
• Groups of 10 or more will not be accepted.

Official website: https://www.kenninji.jp/experience/(only Japanese text)

Sutra Copying Experience

Kennin-ji Temple also offers a sutra copying experience at Seiryoken.

• Schedule:: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Fee: 2,000 yen
• How to apply: Please inquire at the reception desk of the Hobo Hall of Kennin-ji Temple Sutra Copying paper and writing utensils will be provided at the reception desk.

Official website: https://www.kenninji.jp/experience/(only Japanese text)

Information

Open Hours
10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
*The reception close at 4:30p.m.

Entrance fee

Nighttime Illumination

Open Hours

Entrance Fee
Elementary school age and older : 1,800yen

Advance reservations are required for the autumn night illumination at Kennin-ji Temple.

Adress
〒605-0811 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsucho, 584

Link
Official Website
https://www.kenninji.jp(Only Japanese text)