Kennin-ji Temple Tours and Activities
73 Reviews
The oldest and one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto, Kennin-ji was founded in the year 1202 by a monk. Situated near the famous Geisha district of Gion, Kennin-ji attracts Buddhist monks on pilgrimage, as well as religious locals and tourists, and curious explorers.
The main hall is a bastion of solemnity. The architecture features rooftops that curve upwards toward the sky, as if in prayer. The original temple complex contained seven buildings, but fires throughout the centuries destroyed many. The temple was rebuilt in the mid-thirteenth century and again in the sixteenth century. Today three outstanding buildings remain: the Dharma Hall, the principal building; a tea house; and the Imperial Messenger Gate. Interestingly, the gate dates back to the 12th or 13th centuries, and today marks from stray arrows during battles can still be seen.
Kennin-ji boasts a stunning Zen garden. Like most Zen gardens, Kennin-ji's is defined by its simplicity and beauty. An aesthetically pleasing placement of rocks, trees, and grassy areas create a calming, peaceful atmosphere for strolling or simply sitting and thinking.
Daily 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
584 Komatsu-cho, Kyoto
Tours and Activities to Experience Kennin-ji Temple
Select Dates
When are you traveling?
Popular
Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds.
Search experiences with increased health and safety practices.
Search tours and activities you can do from home.
You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Kyoto. See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. 🌎
Price
Duration
Time of Day
RatingClear
Specials
Secret Eastern Kyoto Biking Adventure
44
* we provide interesting tours !! *
If you want to explore Kyoto, you should choose the Biking tour because a bus or walking tour takes much longer time to arrive at your destinations.By riding bikes with us, you will be able to visit some famous spots within relatively short period of time because we use some back streets.
You may think this 3 hours bike ride is too long for you ,, but we will guide you with a lot of descriptions of Japanese and Kyoto culture so you will not become bored with us.Also visiting a real temple and trying real Green tea will be one of the most memorable experiences in Kyoto!
Let's enjoy riding bikes and take great photos to maximize your Kyoto trip!
Jump on a bicycle and enjoy the unique sights of Kyoto.Pedal through temples, stroll among shrines, and sip green tea while viewing exquisite hidden gardens.In addition we will take you to see some delightful unexpected sights.
…More
From
$76.24
From
$76.24
Kyoto One Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private
17
This personalized full-day Kyoto tour with a local is ideal for first-time visitors to the "City of Temples". You won’t waste a moment visiting places that don’t interest you as this tour is fully customizable based on your interests. Choose the neighborhoods you’d like to visit, and see many of Kyoto’s top sites. Exploring the city with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you'll learn lots of local tips that you wouldn’t discover otherwise.
…More
From
$178.83
Price varies by group size
From
$178.83
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Discover Kyoto's Geisha District of Gion!
4
No trip to Kyoto is complete without a trip to the old preserved district of Gion, and it's no surprise why it's such a popular place to visit. It is one of the only places in the world where you can see a real-life "geisha" walking along the beautiful alleyways. Join our Gion Night Walk and we can tell you all about the mysterious lives of the geisha as we walk along these charming cobblestoned streets all lit up with lantern light. Let these places some to life with a fun and friendly guide to tell you what happens behind the closed doors of Gion.
…More
From
$42.91
From
$42.91
The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
2
Eat your way through Kyoto's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied!
Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Gyozas and Japanese pepper ice cream. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie.
Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard
…More
From
$112.17
Price varies by group size
From
$112.17
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Dark Kyoto Tour
2
A city like Kyoto, with over 1200 years of history, is bound to have its dark side. Learn all about it on this four-hour guided tour that takes in some of the ghostly, haunted, supernatural, or otherwise creepy parts of Kyoto. See and hear a different side to popular attractions like Gion and Kiyomizudera. Stop at places you might not otherwise find, like cemeteries and a haunted candy store. Prepare to be entertained, and a little creeped out.
…More
From
$76.29
From
$76.29
Kyoto Cycling Tour with E-bike
2
I will for sure surely enjoy it and be able to make you a great memory since you can bike without feeling tired. 6 PM after the tour without any extra fee. You may visit the places we have already stayed again or find your own way! For a more personal tour experience, we have a small tour group.
…More
From
$70.93
From
$70.93
Private City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto
1
Receive a warm welcome to Kyoto on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Kyoto to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest.
Discover where to find Kenninji temple and Yasaka Shrine, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction.
Private City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
…More
From
$34.60
Price varies by group size
From
$34.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Ultimate Temples of Kyoto Tour with a Local
1
The temples of Kyoto are vestiges of its captivating past, and the stories surrounding these ancient places of worship define Japan’s iconic cultural city. Go in-depth into the country’s main religion of Buddhism, discover the true meaning of “Zen,” explore breathtaking scenery and architecture, all with your favorite local host on this personalized tour.
Step into a stunning temple built by an emperor in the 12th century. See thousands of Buddha statues displayed in a giant hall, many of which are influenced by Hinduism.
There’s more to see! Join your host and tour a Shingon sect temple, acclaimed for its expertly crafted sculptures dating back to the 1100s. Hear the life story of a local savior and see the statue modeled after him.
For more historic temples and landmarks, follow your favorite local to a richly decorated temple with picturesque zen gardens, dedicated to a shogun who unified Japan. Also, explore old tea houses and tranquil bamboo forests within the temple!
…More
From
$121.71
Price varies by group size
From
$121.71
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Kyoto Stunning Japanese Gardens Tour
Kyoto is the best known sightseeing spot in Japan. As it was the old capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, it offers plenty of fabulous things to see such as venerated temples, shrines, Geisha and Uji matcha town.
One thing we strongly recommend is to visit traditional Japanese gardens which are acknowledged and admired throughout the world. Some of them beautifully harmonize with the surroundings and others provide space to indulge in meditation.
Here we offer a one-day tour introducing splendid gardens in Kyoto including Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
…More
From
$139.47
Price varies by group size
From
$139.47
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Kyoto Traditional Heritage One Day Walking Tour
Kyoto prospered as the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. During that time, the emperor, the aristocrats and generals all lived here, and a rich culture developed. Even today, these traditions remain alive.
In this tour we will explore the local traditional food, a venerated shrine, temples and a geisha quarter.
In Kyoto the public transport network is not well developed because of the need to preserve the cultural assets. Though this tour involves quite a bit of walking, it provides the opportunity to get to know the traditions of Kyoto and to feel its charm and beauty.
…More
From
$125.52
Price varies by group size
From
$125.52
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
The Charms of Kyoto at Night: Kickstart Tour
First time in Kyoto? Wondering where to go and what to see at night? We got you! Kickstart your time in Kyoto with a 90-minute evening introduction of the city with the help of your favorite local. See the main highlights of Kyoto as the sun sets and discover the best nightlife the city has to offer. Your local host will answer all of your travel questions and will provide you with local insights and recommendations according to your liking.
On this private tour, you’ll visit the must-see historical spots of the city, but also see hidden places that will give an authentic feeling of the city. Go to the Yasaka-Jinja Shrine, famous for its summer festivals, and visit the adjacent Maruyama Park, a hotspot for cherry blossom viewing. Stroll along the well-preserved Nene no Michi area to discover an old-world Kyoto. Ready for a unique private exploration of the mesmerizing city of Kyoto?
…More
From
$34.60
Price varies by group size
From
$34.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
Kyoto Samurai and Geisha Town Private Tour
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. Meanwhile, not only nobles, including Emperors and royal families, but also samurais, especially Shoguns, used to have a deep relationship with Kyoto. With this tour, you can visit gorgeous castles and temples founded by powerful Shoguns of different eras and learn about Kyoto and Japan’s history.
Kyoto also prospered as a capital, then the traditional and unique culture, including geishas and a row of town houses has very well preserved. By visiting the world-famous Gion, you can experience traditional Japanese heritage. This tour starts a little bit early in the morning, but enables you to enjoy your day comfortably, avoiding crowds.
…More
From
$167.36
Price varies by group size
From
$167.36
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Explore Kyoto Culture in One Day Tour
Explore several incredible spots of the city one after another with us! Miyagawa-cho, Gion, Kenninji Temple, Yasaka koshindo, Hokanji Temple, NInenzaka, Ishibei Koji and Fushimi Inari(!) are all in the itinerary.
During 6 hour tour, you'll visit iconic spots such as the Japan's most popular shrine, the 1st zen temple of Kyoto with inspiring garden and Gion,the biggest traditional pleasure district.
You'll hear incredibly unique stories concerning Japanese history and culture and try some special tastes!
Explore the nooks and crannies of East Kyoto with your knowledgeable host! You'll enjoy local lunch before commanding a panoramic view of the city and hearing about the Android Buddhist preacher.
You'll come back to Kyoto station and finish up there.
At the end of the tour, you'll deeply understand our next to none history and culture.
…More
From
$116.22
Price varies by group size
From
$116.22
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Livestream Virtual Tour of Kyoto Gion Area in Japan
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years from 794 to 1868. There are many shrines and temples, historic sites, and old townscapes in Kyoto.
On this tour, you will visit the Gion area, where you can feel the atmosphere of the old days with old-fashioned buildings that are typical of Kyoto. The northern part of Gion has been selected as an important traditional buildings preservation area of the country, and the southern part has been designated as a historical landscape conservation scenic area of Kyoto City. The traditional townscape is protected.
This is a virtual tour via ZOOM that allows you to experience the feeling of traveling in Kyoto while at home.
An English-speaking guide will take you around the city of Kyoto while taking a walk, and you can enjoy the scenery of the beautiful city of Kyoto.
This tour is livestream, so there is also time to enjoy a conversation with the guide.
Have a nice livestream virtual tour of about 1 hour.
…More
From
$32.54
From
$32.54
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Tour - Take a Walk Through a “Deep and Unique” Town to Gion
If you are visiting Kyoto, of course, you will visit Gion offering Kyoto’s unique vibe. But how many people see the best backstreets of Gion? This plan takes you to the must-see hidden backstreets.
Stones with a hole to convict evil and connect the good spirits, temples lined with wild-boars, vintage items not even the Japanese can find, ukiyoe made by craftsmen in a traditional Japanese house and souvenirs which you can't find elsewhere!
Lastly, I will take you to watch the Maiko dance. You can see seven traditional performing arts after the show. A trip of Gion you can definitely do by yourself!
…More
From
$83.09
From
$83.09
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
Life of a Geisha Evening Tour: Gion & Miyagawacho Districts
Kyoto’s charm is a combination of geisha culture, ancient temples, and age-old traditions that are still preserved and revered in the ex-capital of Japan. On this evening, private tour, you can experience an authentic Kyoto that has stood still in time together with a local.
Join your knowledgeable local host and visit two of the most renowned geisha districts, Gion & Miyagawacho. Get the perfect introduction into the geisha culture, thanks to your local host. Hear stories of their life-long training, learn the intricacies of the art of geisha entertainment, and step briefly into their high-cultured flower and willow world. Check out a traditional street lined up with wooden townhouses where you can find restaurants & Japanese inns.
Go in-depth inside Kyoto’s roots and visit awe-inspiring temples and shrines built centuries ago, each bearing a unique story featuring deities, love stories, and heroes.
…More
From
$76.37
Price varies by group size
From
$76.37
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
- Things to do in Kansai Prefecture
- Things to do in Osaka
- Things to do in Izumisano
- Things to do in Nagano
- Things to do in Kamakura
- Things to do in Kawagoe
- Things to do in Kawasaki
- Things to do in Tokyo
- Things to do in Musashino
- Things to do in Busan
- Things to do in Seoul
- Things to do in Incheon
- Things to do in Osaka Prefecture
- Things to do in Nagano Prefecture
- Things to do in Kanagawa Prefecture