Kenninji Attractions & Landmark

First Zen Temple
Featured Image

584 Komatsu-cho
Kyoto,
605-0811
Japan
Phone No. +81 75 561 0190
 Fax No. +81 75 561 5777
 Visit Websitehttp://www.kenninji.jp/
Transport Options:
Train Available: Shijo/ Keihan Line

Overview

The first Zen temple to be established in Japan, Kenninji dates back to 1202. Apart from the Chokushimon gate(which still carries scars made by arrows), all the other structures have been rebuilt due to the twin scourges of fire and war. Founded by the monk Eisai on his return from China where he had absorbed the teachings of Zen, Kenninji is also associated with tea and the tea ceremony which Eisai helped to popularize. Entry fee. Group meditation held on every Sunday 9-10am.

I will returnby Yahoo | 2006-08-22 14:00:24 |

This is the temple where Zen Master Dogen set out on the path, and where his remains are buried. We visited on a day of torrential rain yet, somehow, the gardens of the main temple still evoked a timelessness as much as any othewr temple in Kyoto. The temple's location, within the Gion area of the city - one of ald wooden houses and shops - helps to evoke an atmosphere.