A Serene Green Garden Leading to Zen!

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Kyoto's Gion district, "Kennin-ji Temple" offers a tranquil escape into another world. Especially during the fresh green season, the vibrant green maple leaves beautifully contrast with the dry landscape gardens and moss gardens, providing visitors with a deeply soothing experience. Listen to the sound of leaves swaying in the wind and enjoy a peaceful moment in a garden imbued with Zen aesthetics. Overview Kennin-ji Temple, established in 1202 by Zen master Eisai, is one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. As the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Kennin-ji school, it is renowned for its Zen teachings. The temple houses numerous cultural treasures, including Tawaraya Sotatsu's "Wind and Thunder Gods Folding Screen" and Junko Koizumi's "Twin Dragons" ceiling painting. During the fresh green season, the temple's gardens, such as the "Chōon Garden" and the "Circle, Triangle, Square Garden," are adorned with lush green maple leaves, creating an exceptional visual experience. Highlights * The Zen World Created by Green Maple Leaves and Dry Landscape Gardens 🌿🪨 The "Chōon Garden" in the southern courtyard of the main hall features a dry landscape garden of stones and sand, complemented by vibrant green maple leaves. Sitting quietly and gazing at the garden offers a cleansing and calming experience. * The Profound Zen Universe of the "Circle, Triangle, Square Garden" 🌏🌿 Representing the four major Zen philosophies, the "Circle, Triangle, Square Garden" is simple yet deeply meaningful. Surrounded by fresh greenery, this garden invites you to reflect on the truths of the universe. * A Healing Space with the Sound of Swaying Green Leaves 🍃🌿 Compared to the autumn foliage season, the fresh green season at Kennin-ji is quieter and more serene. Listening to the sound of green maple leaves swaying in the wind allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience profound relaxation. Key Attractions * "Twin Dragons" and Fresh Green Collaboration 🐉🌿 The massive "Twin Dragons" painting on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall is awe-inspiring. During the fresh green season, sunlight streaming in reflects the green of the maple leaves, creating a stunning contrast between the dragon's power and the beauty of nature. * Moss Gardens Radiating Vibrant Green 🌿💧 During the fresh green season, the meticulously maintained moss gardens shine even brighter. The beauty of the moss, especially after rain, is truly exceptional. * The Scenic Combination of Kennin-ji Fence and Green Maple Leaves 🎋🌿 The "Kennin-ji Fence," known as the temple's signature feature, combined with the backdrop of green maple leaves, creates a quintessentially Kyoto-style landscape. Information * Address: 584 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 📍 * Access: * About a 7-minute walk from Exit 6 of Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line 🚶♀️ * About a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line 🚶♀️ * About a 5-minute walk from the "Higashiyama Yasui" bus stop on Kyoto City Bus 🚌 * Parking is limited, so public transportation is recommended. * Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM). Please check the official website for any changes ⏰ * Fees: Free admission to the temple grounds; fees apply for the main hall, Dharma Hall, and Founder’s Hall (Adults: 600 yen, Middle/High School Students: 300 yen, Elementary School Students: 200 yen) 💰 Nearby Tourist Information * Gion: Kyoto's iconic geisha district, featuring charming stone-paved streets and traditional tea houses. 🌸👘 * Yasaka Shrine: A historic shrine known as the symbol of Gion and famous for the Gion Festival. ⛩️ * Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most famous temples. The view from "Kiyomizu Stage" is breathtaking. 🏯 * Hanamikoji Street: One of Gion's main streets, where you might catch a glimpse of a maiko (apprentice geisha). 🏮 Summary Kennin-ji Temple during the fresh green season is a special place where you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of vibrant green maple leaves amidst the tranquil atmosphere of a Zen temple. The contrast with dry landscape gardens and moss gardens, along with the sound of swaying leaves, will deeply soothe your soul. Located just steps away from Gion, this is the perfect spot to spend a rich and peaceful moment away from the everyday hustle and bustle. 🌿🐉