Kennin-ji Temple

★ ミシュラングリーンガイド一ツ星

History

Kennin-ji was established by Zen Master: Eisai who was the Founding Patron in 1202 (the second year of Kennin era) after Shogun Yoriie Minamoto donated the lands for it. It was ranked as the third position of Kyoto Gozan (Best five ranking of Zen Sect.) and flourished as the oldest Zen temple. The temple was once damaged and ruined during the war-era but in the Tensei Period, Ankokuji Eikei started to rebuild the Houjyo (the living house of elders) and pagoda. Also the chapel tower was reconstructed under the support by Tokugawa Shogunate. The temple is known for the HQ of Rinazai Sect. Kenninji school, and Koudai-ji and Hogan-ji having Yasaka Tower are subsidiary temple of Kennin-ji

writer：hiro / translation:MAKOTO

Tea and Kennin-ji

As for the temples founder, Eisai, brought the seed of tea tree from Sou (China) to Japan, he is known for the ancestor of Japanese tea ceremony. He applied the tea ceremony into the training of Zen, and produced the tea courtesy as the original of the tea ceremony. This is the reason why there lots of tea tree planted in the hedge of temple grounds.

writer：hiro / translation:MAKOTO

Hot Spot

Kennin-ji holds various cultural properties / national treasures and exhibits in the library, such as the folding screen of “Fujin Raijin” made by Soutatsu Tawaraya representing Rin group of painters. Furthermore, the barrier picture of “Unryu-zu” made by Yusyo Kaihou is exhibited in the residence of elders. We recommend you the “Daiyu-en” the dry garden style in the residence of elders and “Choon-tei” in the court as hot spots. Especially, “Choon-tei” show various expression in seasons and you may see wonderful scenery of red leaves in the Autumn. At the ceiling of lecture hall, “Souryu-zu” (picture of a dragon) made by Atsushi Koizumi is painted. It is worth seeing the 108 tatami mats large (1 tatami mat is aprox 1.82㎡) water ink paintings on the ceiling.

writer：hiro / translation:MAKOTO

Michelin Green Guide

Kenni-ji Temple has one star rating.

Address: 584, Komatsu-cho, Yamato-oji Shijyo kudaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto city, 605-0811
TEL: +81-75-561-0190
FAX: +81-75-561-5777
Formal Name: Higashiyama Kenninji
Sangou (Mountain Name): Touzan (Higashiyama)
Sect: Rinzai Sect. Kennin-ji school
Idol: Shyaka Nyorai
Date Founded: in 1202 (the second year of Kennin era)
Founding Patron: Yoriie Minamoto, Eisai
Cultural Properties: Fujin Raijin (National Treasures), Houjyo, Chokushi-mon, Kenpon Chakusyoku Jyuroku Rakanzou, etc (National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties)
Admission: Adults: 500 yen
Junior High-School and High-School: 300 yen
Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 (closing the gate 17:00) during March 1st to October 31st.
10:00 – 16:00 (closing the gate 16:30) during November 1st to February 28th
Please be advised that you may not enter in the temple sometimes due to the special events.
Parking: Available approx. 45 cars with a charge of 200 yen per 30 minutes, 1 hour free ticket will be provided to the visitor.
Access Guide: Get off at Gion Shijyo Station of Keihan Railway and 7 minutes walk
Get off at Kawaramachi Station of Hankyu Railway and 10 minutes walk
Get off at Higashiyama Yasui Station of Municipal bus and 5 minutes walk
Official Website: http://www.kenninji.jp