Kenninji Temple

Kenninji brims with masterpieces of Japanese art and design

Very close to the bustle of Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, the grounds of Kenninji Temple are expansive and pleasant to walk, and the two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) here offer the visitor an oasis of tranquility. It is thought to be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

How to Get There

Travel by train and bus from Kyoto Station to reach the temple.

From Kyoto Station you can take a number of buses, including no. 100, 12, 46, 202, 206, and 207 to Gion.

The nearest subway station is Gion-Shijo on the Keihan subway line. Wander along Shijo Street eastwards until you reach Hanamikoji Street, which is hard to miss with the bright red teahouse on the corner. Go straight down Hanamikoji Street to Kenninji, located just beyond the theater.

A peaceful setting away from the bustle of downtown Kyoto

While Kenninji's site dates to the 13th century, there are few remnants from this period. The original temple buildings, like much of Kyoto, were destroyed by fire.

One of the oldest structures here is the Yatate-mon, or Arrow Gate, which is so named because it bears the scars of the Onin War (1467-77) that burned most of Kyoto to the ground.