Category: English

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Kennin-ji Temple（建仁寺）

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Kennin-ji schhol of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
It was founded in 1202 (Kennin 2) by Eisai, who studied Zen in Song Dynasty China.
The temple is famous for its painting of the Wind God and Thunder God (National Treasure) by Tawaraya Sōtatsu.
Free Zen meditation experiences are also available.
Gion Hanamikoji Street, the approach to Kenninji Temple, is quite crowded both day and night, but early morning is definitely the best time to visit.

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Toyokuni Shrine（豊国神社）

This is the head shrine of the Toyokuni Shrine, dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Within the grounds is also the Teisho Shrine, dedicated to Kita-no-Mandokoro One, and is revered as a deity of career advancement, good fortune, and successful relationships.
The National Treasure Karamon Gate, believed to be a remnant of Fushimi Castle, stands majestically in front of the shrine.

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Daihoonji Temple（大報恩寺）

A Shingon sect Chizan school temple located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is known as “Senbon Shakado.”
The main hall, completed in 1227, survived numerous wars, including the Onin War, and is designated a National Treasure as the oldest wooden building in Rakuchu (Kyoto City).
It is a quiet place despite being in the middle of the city.

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Shisendo Temple（詩仙堂）

Shisendo Temple, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is the place where Ishikawa Jozan, a literary figure of the Edo period and former retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, lived in seclusion. It is a Soto Zen temple where the sound of a shishi-odoshi (deer scarer) quietly resonates, and is famous for its space adorned with portraits of Chinese poets.
I have also used a photo of the entrance to Shisendo Temple on the cover of this blog.

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Honen-in Temple（法然院）

Honen-in Temple is a Jodo sect mountain temple located along the Philosopher’s Path in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.　It is a reconstruction of the hermitage where Honen Shonin and his disciples once performed the Six-Time Praise.　The temple gate of Honen-in has a thatched roof and is surrounded by tranquil, lush greenery, creating a very picturesque atmosphere.

 

 

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