Kennin-ji Temple
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Kyoto
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 1-1.5 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 10:00-17:00 · 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed to visitors 19-20 Apr, 4-5 Jun and during ceremonies; soaked clothing may be refused
- Ticket Price
- Adult: JPY 800 (JPY 1000 from 2027) · Child: JPY 500 school students · A donation-style admission; disabled visitors free (companion pays)
- Address
- 584 Komatsucho, Yamatooji-dori Shijo-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811, Japan
- Coordinates
- 35.0034, 135.7735
Introduction
Kennin-ji is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202 by Eisai, who brought Rinzai Zen and tea to Japan; as the sect's head temple it has preserved Zen practice for eight centuries. It stands at the south end of Gion's Hanamikoji — a bustling geisha lane outside, deep calm within. The abbot's Choontei garden and the 'circle-triangle-square' garden distil the cosmos into raked stone, the Dharma Hall ceiling bears a mighty Twin Dragons painting, and the treasury shows a replica of Tawaraya Sotatsu's National Treasure Wind and Thunder Gods screens plus Kaiho Yusho's sliding-door paintings. The spring Four-Heads tea ceremony, zazen and sutra-copying invite a direct taste of Zen aesthetics.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00-17:00 |
10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed to visitors 19-20 Apr, 4-5 Jun and during ceremonies; soaked clothing may be refused
Ticket Information
| Adult | JPY 800 (JPY 1000 from 2027) |
|---|---|
| Child | JPY 500 school students |
| Free Admission | Preschool children free |
A donation-style admission; disabled visitors free (companion pays)
Transportation
7 min from Gion-Shijo, 10 min from Kyoto-Kawaramachi
Bus 206 to Higashiyama-Yasui, 5 min walk
At Hanamikoji's south end; paid parking by north gate
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Kennin-ji Temple?
Monday: 10:00-17:00; Tuesday: 10:00-17:00; Wednesday: 10:00-17:00; Thursday: 10:00-17:00; Friday: 10:00-17:00; Saturday: 10:00-17:00; Sunday: 10:00-17:00; 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed to visitors 19-20 Apr, 4-5 Jun and during ceremonies; soaked clothing may be refused
How much is the admission for Kennin-ji Temple?
Adult: JPY 800 (JPY 1000 from 2027); Child: JPY 500 school students; Free Admission: Preschool children free; A donation-style admission; disabled visitors free (companion pays)
How long should I spend at Kennin-ji Temple?
A typical visit takes 1-1.5 hours.
How do I get to Kennin-ji Temple?
Subway: 7 min from Gion-Shijo, 10 min from Kyoto-Kawaramachi; Bus: Bus 206 to Higashiyama-Yasui, 5 min walk
