Kenninji Temple | Review by wendy

Kenninji Temple

The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, founded in 1202. The temple attracts visitors with its architectural heritage such as the Hojo (main building), as well as its masterpieces of paintings such as the ceiling paintings, sliding door paintings, and the National Treasure, the folding screens of “The Wind and Thunder Gods.”

14 Sep 2026 See More

Founded in 1202, Kenninji is one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. Although it is near the lively Gion district and Hanamikoji Street, it is unexpectedly peaceful. It feels like Gion draws everyone's attention, making Kenninji a very pleasant hidden attraction.

Admission is JPY 800, and you need to remove your shoes before entering. The temple houses treasured works such as the Wind and Thunder Gods folding screens, and the gardens are filled with Zen touches throughout. It's a great place to sit and take your time appreciating the scenery while enjoying the quiet Japanese atmosphere.

I especially recommend walking all the way to the main hall. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the subtle scent of wood. When you look up and see the spectacular ceiling painting, you can't help but stop in your tracks. It's truly breathtaking.

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Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro General Sports Park (Taiyogaoka)

The hills of Uji in Kyoto keep a local-loved haven known as Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro General Sports Park (Taiyogaoka), a large-scale haven for nature and sports that spans a whopping 108 hectares. The park is divided into themed forest zones such as the Adventure Forest, Play Forest, and Friendship Forest, featuring giant athletic structures and outdoor play equipment that let you forget the bustle of the city.
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Besides temples and historic sites, Kyoto also has a large park that's perfect for families! Taiyogaoka is located in the hills of Uji. The grounds are very spacious, with shady trees and peaceful surroundings, making it especially pleasant to walk around. The park has all kinds of play equipment where children can run, jump, try different activities, and enjoy plenty of adventure. In summer, there's also a family pool where you can splash around and cool off. It's a great place to spend anywhere from half a day to a full day. If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, it's well worth a visit!
Kyoto Station Building

Kyoto station is attached to an enormous building which provides shops and restaurants, as well as a hotel and cultural center. The Cube Shopping Mall occupies the ground floor and two basement floors. In its spacious confines are shops offering a wide variety of unique souvenirs and specialty desserts from Kyoto, trendy fashion items, and interesting knickknacks.
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14 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Kyoto, I think staying near Kyoto Station is really convenient! The Kyoto Station Building itself has shopping, food, souvenirs, and places to relax, and there are also many department stores, shopping centers, and restaurants nearby, making it easy to shop or grab something to eat.

If it’s your first time in Kyoto, staying near the station is also a great choice. There are plenty of hotels in the area, and transportation is very convenient. You can easily reach Kyoto’s major attractions by JR, subway, or bus.

After a long day of sightseeing, you can return to the station, have dinner, and do some shopping before heading back to your hotel. It really saves time and effort. For independent travelers, the area around Kyoto Station is a great choice where it’s “convenient to stay, fun to explore, and easy to get anywhere!”
Zuishinin Temple

The head temple of the Zentsuji school of Shingon Buddhism, it is said to be the place where Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi spent her later years. The current halls were rebuilt after the Keicho era, and the main hall, built in the shinden-zukuri style, enshrines the principal image, a seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu statue designated as an Important Cultural Property, a seated Kongosatta statue by Kaikei, and a seated Amida Nyorai statue said to be the work of Jocho.
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14 Sep 2026 See More

Zuishinin Temple has deep ties to the famous Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi and is also a well-known spot for viewing plum blossoms in Kyoto. I visited in the summer this time, so there were no plum blossoms to enjoy, but I unexpectedly discovered a different kind of peaceful beauty. The weather was excellent that day, and the blue sky and greenery made a beautiful backdrop for the historic temple. It looked good from every angle.

What I liked most was how few visitors there were. The entire place was quiet and relaxing, without the noisy crowds found at Kyoto's popular attractions, giving it an extra sense of peaceful Zen. It's an easy walk from Ono Station on the Kyoto subway and is perfect for a leisurely little trip. If you like quiet, traditional temples, I'd actually recommend taking a walk here rather than visiting the popular attractions.