Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. At Kenninji Temple, a Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held every second Sunday of the month from 7:30 am. No reservation is required, just arrive on time to participate. I decided to do zazen next to the dry landscape garden.

Higashi-Honganji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect. It is located very close to Kyoto Station. There are many buildings designated as important cultural properties within the temple grounds. The Goeido (Main) Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

Honnoji Temple is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. This is the temple where Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and killed by his subordinate Akechi Mitsuhide. He was one of Japan's most famous warlord and was on the verge of unifying the country.

Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415. It is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. Morning services are held at Honnoji Temple every day from 6am, and anyone is welcome to attend. The sound of the drums was very powerful and electrifying.

Mugekoin is a Rinzai sect temple located to the east of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 6pm to 7pm. Beginners and foreigners are welcome.

Daioin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1603. A Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held in the main hall about once a month. It usually starts at 6:30am on the third or fourth Saturday of each month. No reservations are required to participate.

Daisenin is a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple, founded in 1509. It is famous for its Hojo (main hall), which is designated as a national treasure of Japan, and its beautiful dry landscape garden. There is a "Premium Zazen Experience Course" for groups of 2 to 6 people.

At Kounji Temple, zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. I happened to be staying at a nearby hotel, so I attended a zazen session. As I was doing zazen, I heard the sound of frogs croaking outside the main hall. As I sat there, breathing slowly, I felt very calm.

Syunkoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1590. You can rent out the Hojo, an important cultural property, exclusively for a special Zen experience. Zazen instruction is available in English. If you're interested, please make a reservation and participate.

It is the head temple of the Tenryuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is located in Arashiyama, a major tourist destination in Kyoto. At the back of the temple grounds is a beautiful strolling garden with a pond.