Wind, dragons, circles, triangles, and squares. Enjoy the tranquility of Kenninji Temple
Wind, dragon, and a round triangle. The only place to enjoy peace is at Kenninji Temple.
In the heart of Kyoto, right next to the bustling Gion district, there is a strangely quiet place.
However, it is a Zen temple called Kenninji.
This is not just a temple.
There are artistic sliding door paintings, a space-like garden, and...a giant pair of dragons painted on the ceiling!
It's like a "theme park of silence."
Go beyond the ceiling! The double dragon design makes your heart race!
When you enter the lecture hall of Kenninji Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the two dragons painted on the entire ceiling.
It's called "Two Dragons." It's a little scary to look at it with wide eyes, but it's cool!
These dragons are gods of water and are said to protect buildings from fires.
Photography is also allowed, so we recommend taking a "staring shot" with the dragon.
Meet the wind god and thunder god!? Time to daydream with this artistic folding screen
The Hojo (abbot's quarters) houses the famous "Wind God and Thunder God" painting.
The wind god who controls the wind and the thunder god who waits for thunder are both standing proudly in the wind.
"The wind god has such fluffy hair and is so cute..."
"Raijin-sama, don't you think your muscles are amazing?"
Looking at art while fantasizing like this will make your art viewing experience even more enjoyable.
Zen quiz in the ○△□ garden!
The final point about Kenninji Temple is the garden with a rather unusual name: "Circle, Triangle, and Square Garden."
You might be wondering, "What, shapes in a garden?", but they represent the world of Zen.
Circle is water, triangle is fire, square is earth... it's like a philosophical puzzle.
Walking around wondering, "Which one is O and which one is □?" feels like solving a little mystery.
It's also fun to play "garden quiz" with friends.
Kenninji Temple is a place where the spirit of tea resides
Eisai, who founded Kenninji Temple, is also known as the "father of tea" in Japan.
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As you gaze out at the tranquil garden, you might think, "Tea might be a magical way to calm the mind..." and you'll be in Zen mode.
Summary: Kenninji Temple is cute and profound.
Kenninji Temple is quiet, cute, and a little mysterious.
It's the perfect place for art lovers, philosophy buffs, and photography enthusiasts.
After enjoying some sweet treats at a cafe in Gion, why not go and clear your mind a bit?
The dragon and the wind and thunder gods are surely waiting for you.
📍Kenninji Temple (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City)
Conveniently located just off Gion's Hanamikoji Street, this spot is recommended by WABISUKE for its peaceful yet charming atmosphere.