Exploring Kennin-ji, Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple

2024年11月10日

Today, I’d like to introduce Kennin-ji, located in Kyoto’s Gion district.
Kennin-ji is known as the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, and it’s rich with both historical and artistic significance.

https://www.kenninji.jp

Kennin-ji is the head temple of the Kennin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
It was established in 1202 (the 2nd year of the Kennin era) by the monk Eisai, who studied Zen in the Song dynasty in China, modeling it after Baizhang Mountain.

Kennin-ji is conveniently located in Kyoto’s Gion area, just a few minutes’ walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Railway and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Railway, making it easy to visit while exploring Kyoto.
The area around Kennin-ji offers many historic and cultural attractions, including the scenic streets of Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple, allowing you to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich history and culture for a full day.

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Fūjin Raijin-zu Byōbu (The Wind and Thunder Gods Folding Screen)

A must-see when visiting Kennin-ji is Tawaraya Sōtatsu’s Fūjin Raijin-zu Byōbu (The Wind and Thunder Gods folding screen). Tawaraya Sōtatsu was an artist of the early Edo period, and this folding screen is one of his masterpieces. While the original work is entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum, a high-resolution replica is on display at Kennin-ji, preserving the awe and beauty of the original.

The Maru-Sankaku-Shikaku Garden

As the name suggests, this garden incorporates geometric shapes like triangles, circles, and squares. These three simple shapes are said to symbolize the fundamental forms of the universe and represent the four primary elements of Zen thought—earth (□), water (○), and fire (△).

Soryu-zu (The Twin Dragons)

Another highlight of Kennin-ji is the Sōryū-zu (Twin Dragons) painting. This massive artwork spans the ceiling of the main hall, depicting two dragons with fierce expressions. Dragons are often painted in Zen halls as protectors of the Buddhist teachings and as water deities who bring the “rain of Buddhist wisdom.” Interestingly, Kennin-ji originally did not feature a dragon painting. In 2002, to commemorate the temple’s 800th anniversary, artist Junsaku Koizumi completed this masterpiece.

Conclusion

Today, we explored Kennin-ji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. With its impressive works, such as The Wind and Thunder Gods folding screen, the Twin Dragons, and uniquely designed gardens, Kennin-ji offers much to see. Conveniently located in the heart of Gion, it’s easy to drop by while exploring Kyoto. Nearby are other attractions like Yasaka Shrine, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple, making this area perfect for a day of experiencing Kyoto’s history and culture.