Head temple of a prestigious Zen temple
Founded in Kennin 2 (1202) by Eisai, who studied Zen in Sung, it is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Kennin-ji School of the Rinzai Sect. They have a lot of valuable cultural properties such as the Soryu-zu which glares at the ceiling of the lecture hall and the national treasure "Fujin Raijin Zu" (the exhibition is a reproduction). The 3 gardens with modern space beauty are also spectacular.
The “Chouontei” in the photograph features a trio of sacred stones at its center, allowing it to be viewed from all four directions.
The Wind and Thunder Gods Screen, known as Tawaraya Sōtatsu's greatest masterpiece. The dynamic figures of the Wind and Thunder Gods are striking.
Three gardens full of character are a must-see: Chaoon garden with triad stones, Daiyoen garden with white sand spread all over, and ◯ △ □ garden that expresses the thought of Zen!
Kinnin-ji Temple
075-561-6363
584 Komatu-cho, Shijo-sagaru, Yamato-oji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi
5 minutes' walk from Higashiyama-yasui City Bus Stop
10am-5pm (Last reception 4.30pm)
Admission: 600 yen
Closing dates : Open year round (There are days when it cannot be visited, so please check it on the website.)
WEBSITE : https://www.kenninji.jp/
