Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple

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Kenninji

TEL :075-561-6363
Address :584 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Access :JR Kyoto Station > (city bus number 206) > Higashiyama Yasui bus stop > 5 minutes walk

Introduction to Kenninji temple

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Many cultural assets have been preserved, including the National Treasure Wind God and Thunder God Screen, architecture, gardens, paintings, and more.

Zen-style architecture

Within the grounds of Kenninji Temple, the Sanmon Gate, the lecture hall, and main hall are lined up in a straight line from north to south. This is the layout of the temple halls in the Zen style.

As I walked through the temple grounds, I noticed the large Sanmon Gate. Above this gate, Sakyamuni and the Sixteen Arhats are enshrined.

There was also an unusual building that was used as a bathroom. In the past, monks would purify their bodies in steam baths. Along with the zendo and dining hall, it was places where conversation was not permitted during training.

I entered the area that required an admission fee and visited the main hall. It was a stately hall with a thatched roof, and in front of it was a dry landscape garden.

Beautiful Japanese gardens

In front of the main hall is the dry landscape garden, Daiyuen. I had a very peaceful time sitting and looking at this garden.

The Circle, Triangle, and Square Garden, which represents the origin of the universe, is a garden made up of simple geometric shapes.

The Choon Garden has a Three Buddhas stone and a Zazen stone placed in the center. The gentleness of the plants and the strength of the rocks seemed to coexist.

Enjoying Japanese masterpieces

One of the most famous things at Kenninji Temple is the Wind God and Thunder God Screen painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu. The wind god holds a bag that creates wind, and the thunder god holds a drum that summons thunder.

The original has been designated a national treasure and is on loan to the Kyoto National Museum. A high-resolution replica was on display at Kenninji Temple.

Kenninji (Kyoto) the Wind God and Thunder God

The painting of two dragons on the ceiling of the lecture hall is also impressive. It is a monumental work measuring 11.4m (37.4ft) in height and 15.7m (51.51ft) in width.

There are also many other sliding door paintings on display along the viewing course. Just looking at these things will make the time fly.

Buddhist Experience

Zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held on the second Sunday of every month from 7:30 to 9:30 am. In July, the event will be held for three days from the second Friday to Sunday, starting at 6:30 a.m. Closed in August.

You can participate in the zazen session without making a reservation. Participation is free.

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Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Zazen in front of a dry landscape garden 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.

You can copy sutras at any time. Copying tools are provided. The fee is 1,000 yen.

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Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Copying sutras at a Zen temple Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Copying sutras was available to visitors at any time without the need for a reservation. The Heart Sutra was printed lightly on the copying paper, and I traced it over.