Kennin-ji

Temple Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan

What to expect

Kennin-ji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple and head temple of its associated branch of Rinzai Buddhism. It is considered to be one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or 'five most important Zen temples of Kyoto'. The temple was founded in 1202 by Minamoto no Yoriie and Myōan Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation to Japan. Kennin-ji features several large halls and gates, with about two dozen smaller buildings arranged around them. Visitors can explore the interiors of the main buildings and enjoy various gravel and moss gardens, including the famous 'Twin Dragon Ceiling' and the 'Garden of the Sound of the Tide'. The temple also houses a painted folding screen depicting the wind and thunder gods, and a replica of this screen is on display. Kennin-ji is a great place to visit for those interested in Zen Buddhism, Japanese history, and traditional gardens

Plan your family visit to the Kennin-ji with these blog insights 👇

Kyoto from March 16 to 18, 2023

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Kennin-ji temple, a Buddhist temple founded in 1202. We discovered two pavilions and three gardens of different styles. The main pavilion has several sliding doors (fusuma) decorated with paintings. We were moved to see the Twin Dragons painting

Highlights: The temple provided an emotional experience, especially seeing the Twin Dragons painting. "The words are not enough to describe the emotion that invades you when you find yourself under these black and white giants. A unique experience." ✨

Kyoto, Japan

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited this temple for the artwork inside the buildings

Highlights: The artwork was wonderful but what we really loved was the quiet contemplative spaces where we could sit and look out at the beautiful gardens ✨