Kenninji, A serene haven of Zen spanning 800 years
584 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0811, Japan
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Introduction
Kennin-ji Temple is the head temple of the Rinzai sect Kennin-ji School, with the first abbot being Zen master Eisai and the founder being Minamoto no Yoriie. It was established in 1202 during the Kamakura period, with the temple name derived from the era name at that time and the mountain name being Tozan. The main Kannon Hall mimics China's Bai Zhang Mountain and in its early years, the temple also incorporated teachings from the Tendai, Shingon, and Zen sects. From the 11th abbot, Rankei Doryu, it became a dedicated place for Rinzai Zen practice. After 800 years of existence as a Zen training ground, Kennin-ji Temple remains a place of spiritual retreat for many individuals.
The temple holds various ceremonies throughout the year, including the Nirvana Ceremony on March 15th to commemorate the Nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Buddha's Birth Ceremony on April 8th to celebrate the Buddha's birthday, the Founder's Birthday Ceremony (Shitou Chakai) on April 20th to honor the birth of Eisai and host a tea ceremony, the Founder's Memorial Ceremony on June 5th to commemorate the anniversary of Eisai's passing, the Pravarana Ceremony on July 30th, which is a strict ceremony following the precepts as transmitted by Eisai, comparable to an ordination ceremony, the Yoritomo Memorial Ceremony on August 18th to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, the Bodhidharma Memorial Ceremony on November 5th to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and the Enlightenment Ceremony on December 8th, which originated from the story of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment upon seeing a bright star.
In addition, the temple also holds a Public Zendo event on the second Sunday of every month. This activity starts at 8:00 a.m. and lasts for 2 hours, including Zazen (sitting meditation) and Dharma talk. Address 584 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0811, Japan
Opening hours November 1st to February 28th: 10:00-16:30
March 1st to October 31st: 10:00-17:00
Entry stops half an hour before closing time
Closed to the public from December 28th to December 31st.
Transportation 7 minutes walk from "Gion-Shijo Station" on the Keihan train.
There are really many temples in Kyoto
