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Photo: the venue and its surroundings (Wikimedia Commons)
Festival & seasonal eventNov 8 (Sun)

Kennin-ji, Kyoto's Oldest Zen Temple: Autumn Evening Special Visit

KC
Gion-Shijo
Kennin-ji Temple
Dates
Nov 8 (Sun)
Hours
17:30 – 19:00
Price
¥5,000 (advance reservation required)
Where
Kennin-ji Temple (Gion-Shijo)
Pochikichi
Here's the highlight

One night only, after closing

Good to know

Open until19:00from 17:30
Price¥5,000 (advance reservation required)

A one-night visit after closing time, with a monk guiding you for about an hour. See a high-resolution replica of Tawaraya Sotatsu's Wind God and Thunder God screens, the Dharma Hall with its ceiling painting, and the illuminated Choon-tei garden. Free viewing until 7:00 PM.

Dates
Nov 8 (Sun)
Hours
17:30 – 19:00
Venue
Kennin-ji Temple
Nearest station
Gion-Shijo
Admission
¥5,000 (advance reservation required)

About this event

Walk Kyoto's oldest Zen temple after closing time, guided by a monk. Kennin-ji's Autumn Evening Special Viewing is one night only, November 8, starting at 17:30. The roughly one-hour tour covers a high-definition replica of Tawaraya Sotatsu's Wind God and Thunder God screens, the Dharma Hall with its ceiling painting, and the lit-up Chouon-tei garden. Afterwards you can look around freely until 19:00. It costs 5,000 yen and must be booked in advance.

Highlights

  • One night only, after closing
  • About one hour guided by a monk
  • Wind God and Thunder God screens (replica) and the Dharma Hall ceiling
  • Chouon-tei garden lit up
Good for
Visitors near Gion who want to see a Zen temple at night.

Good to know before you go

  • Advance booking required
  • November 8 only
  • 5,000 yen

Also nearby

Within walking distance, with dates overlapping

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FAQ

What is Kennin-ji, Kyoto's Oldest Zen Temple: Autumn Evening Special Visit?
Walk Kyoto's oldest Zen temple after closing time, guided by a monk. Kennin-ji's Autumn Evening Special Viewing is one night only, November 8, starting at 17:30. The roughly one-hour tour covers a high-definition replica of Tawaraya Sotatsu's Wind God and Thunder God screens, the Dharma Hall with its ceiling painting, and the lit-up Chouon-tei garden. Afterwards you can look around freely until 19:00. It costs 5,000 yen and must be booked in advance.
When is Kennin-ji, Kyoto's Oldest Zen Temple: Autumn Evening Special Visit?
On Nov 8 (Sun), 2026.
What are the opening hours?
17:30 – 19:00
How much does it cost?
¥5,000 (advance reservation required)
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
Kennin-ji Temple. The nearest station is Gion-Shijo.

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