Kenninji, appreciated as the oldest zen temple in Kyoto

A beautiful zen garden in the oldest zen temple in Kyoto

Kenninji Temple (Kenninji), built in 1202, is said to be the oldest zen temple in Kyoto, where zen teachings were handed down. It was built under the patronage of the shogun Minamoto no Yoriie, with Zen master Eisai as its founder.

The zen garden (karesansui garden) in front of the Hojo（chief priest’s living room) is also exceptionally beautiful, and is said to be modeled after the scenery of Hyakujyo Mountain in So Dynasty China.

The garden of 0, △ and □ is another well-known zen garden, reportedly created by combining the symbols, 0, △ and □, representing the four major ideas of zen (earth, water, fire and wind).  The garden is not only profoundly elegant but also unique.

Kenninji Temple is located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, and is easily accessible by public transportation (trains and buses) from JR Kyoto Station.

Reference:

建仁寺を巡る｜建仁寺 The Oldest Zen Temple Kenninji

建仁寺は臨済宗建仁寺派の大本山で、建仁2年に開創しました。開山は栄西禅師、開基は源頼家です。坐禅体験、写経体験受け付けております。

www.kenninji.jp