Kenninji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kenninji Temple?
What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enter for ¥200 and can safely walk gravel paths and spot koi, yet long silent corridors, no play area and 40-minute meditation sessions can bore them after about 45 minutes.
![【Kyoto KENNINJI TEMPLE】Zen meditation sacred place We will show you the highlights! [japan travel]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QCxcHRBEvr4/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Family-Friendly Rates: Children under 6 enter free and elementary students pay a reduced fee.
- Safe, Compact Grounds: Paths are short and enclosed, making it easy to keep kids in sight.
Challenges:
- Uneven Paths and Steps: Gravel and stone steps may be tricky for strollers; use a baby carrier instead.
- Quiet Space Rules: Kids must speak softly inside halls to respect the temple’s calm atmosphere.
What is Kenninji Temple?
- A 13th-century Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai as the city’s first Zen monastic institution
- Head temple of the Japanese Rinzai school, featuring the Hattō Hall’s twin‐dragon ceiling painting and an array of historic wooden buildings
- A site of classical Zen architecture and karesansui gardens, underscoring its historic role in establishing tea ceremony traditions in Japan
What is so special about Kenninji Temple for with kids?
- First Zen temple in Kyoto with the famous twin-dragon ceiling painting
- Simple raked garden where kids can explore three feature stones
- Affordable admission—under-6 free, elementary students half price
- Free green-tea samples in the gift shop
- Easy snack stop on Hanamikoji Street after touring
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Kids need breaks after exploring halls and gardens; this covers main sights plus a snack stop.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kenninji Temple
Marvel at the Twin Dragons Ceiling:
Step inside Hattō Hall to see the ceiling’s twin-dragon painting.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and give kids space to point out details.
Wander Chaoshō Zen Garden:
Follow gravel paths around the simple raked garden behind the main hall.
Tip: Let children place themselves by the three stones that represent Buddha and monks.
Sample Green Tea at the Gift Shop:
Enjoy a free small tea tasting of sweet-grass flavored matcha.
Tip: Offer kids a taste and let them compare hot and cold samples if available.
Snack Break on Hanamikoji Street:
Walk outside the temple gate to find dango and soft-serve shops.
Tip: Buy treats after touring so kids look forward to rest and recharge.
When is the best time to visit Kenninji Temple (Kyoto, Japan)?
Visit in late March–early April for cherry blossoms framing the garden. In October–November, colorful maples surround the meditation stone.
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Reviews of Kenninji Temple (Kyoto)
Yoël Knopf
Correct as of July '25 Midday, midweek. Beautiful and interesting place. Fairly quiet, lovely to explore. Unfortunately, there are very few signs in English and no guide, making difficult to understand and less enjoyable or interesting than it could be
Stephanie Kiss
Most beautiful zen garden, visited just after heavy rain and it was incredibly tranquil and green. Would come back in a heartbeat. The ceiling mural is very impressive too and you can rent kimonos and walk around the temple from a nearby shop.
Sirikarn Swangsringarm
Kenninji Temple feels like a peaceful Zen escape—far less crowded than Kyoto’s big-name temples. The modern yet majestic ceiling painting of twin dragons is breathtaking, and the lush courtyard is a serene highlight.
Brian G
This is the best and oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. Not as busy as other places and the gardens are fantastic as are all the buildings. A great place to relax. Well worth a visit. 800 jpy entry pp.
Nikita Nymeros
Wonderful temple worth the entrance fee. The impressive dragon ceiling is a massive artwork hanging over one of the halls. Be sure to visit also the smaller exhibitions and the traditional Japanese gardens. Wonderful place.
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (¥600 x2) | JPY 1,200 |
| Child admission (¥200 x1) | JPY 200 |
| Snacks in Gion | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,200 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kenninji Temple
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase admission at the gate early to skip any line.
- Combine with Gion: Plan a walking route that includes both Kennin-ji and the nearby Hanamikoji street shops.
Map of Kenninji Temple
Address: ５８４番地 Komatsuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan
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About Kenninji Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-561-636310 BEST nearby Activities
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