Buddhist temple
Kennin-ji
建仁寺（けんにんじ）
Higashiyama, Kyoto
The head temple (daihonzan) of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai school, standing south of Gion near the Kamo River, and regarded as the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. A seated Jūichimen Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined as the principal image in the hōjō, and a seated Shaka Nyorai is installed in the Dharma hall (hattō).
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Jūichimen Kannon Bosatsu (hōjō)
History and things to know
According to the official guide, it was founded in Kennin 2 (1202) on land donated by Minamoto no Yoriie, with the Zen master Eisai as founding priest, and at first it was a place for studying Tendai, esoteric Buddhism and Zen together. It was later counted third of the Five Mountains of Kyoto, and after it burned in the great fire of the Tenbun era, its revival is said to have begun in Keichō 4 (1599) when Ankokuji Ekei moved a hōjō here.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 建仁寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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