Founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is an island of peace and calm on the border of the boisterous Gion nightlife district and it makes a fine counterpoint to the worldly pleasures of that area. The highlight at Kennin-ji is the fine and expansive karesansui (dry-landscape rock garden). The painting of the twin dragons on the roof of the Hōdō hall is also fantastic.
Access to the Hōdō is via two gates with rather puzzling English operating instructions (you’ll see what we mean).
