Kennin-ji
Good to know
- Best time to go
- April, October–November
- Budget
- $
- Accessibility
- limited
- Coordinates
- Open in maps
Kennin-ji, founded in 1202, is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and sits at the edge of the Gion district. It is treasured for its art, most famously a folding screen of the wind and thunder gods by Tawaraya Sotatsu, shown here as a reproduction with the original in a museum. A modern ceiling painting of twin dragons stretches across the lecture hall, and serene rock and moss gardens surround the buildings. Because it is less thronged than nearby sights, it makes a calm counterpoint to bustling Gion.
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