Kennin-ji (建仁寺) Temple in Kyoto

 

Hatto (also known as Dharma Hall)

Kennin-ji (建仁寺) is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama ward. It was constructed in 1202 and is said to be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

Great masses of tourists have not yet found their way to Kennin-ji so this is a perfect place to enjoy some peace from the crowds in a beautiful historical setting. For me Kennin-ji has been one of the highlights of my trips to Kyoto. While many famous temples and shrines do not allow tourists inside the buildings, in Kennin-ji you are able to visit several buildings and rooms. In addition, Kennin-ji also has several different types of traditional Japanese gardens for you to enjoy.

Daio-en - Grand garden

Chouontei moss garden

Entering the temple, you need to remove your shoes, so remember to wear socks. Shoe lockers are available at the entrance. You will be provided with slippers to enter the separate building of Hatto – also known as Dharma Hall.

Kennin-ji is known for its artworks. The most famous of them being the double folding screens depicting wind and thunder gods Fujin and Raijin by Tawaraya Sōtatsu (俵屋 宗達). 

Fujin and Raijin

Dharma Hall hosts the temple’s most striking artwork. Massive ceiling painting of the Twin Dragons was commissioned from the artist Koizumi Junsaku (小泉 淳作) to celebrate the temple’s 800th anniversary in 2002. This painting was executed in ink on thick traditional Japanese paper and took two years to finish.

Twin Dragons

Fees: Admission fee (500 yen at the time of writing this) applies. Temple is currently closed because of covid-19. 

Address: 584 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605 0811

Public transport: The closest train stations are Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. Temple is about 10 minute walk from the stations.

Facilities: Gift shop, toilets

Nearby attractions: Gion area, Yasaka shrine