Kennin-ji Early Morning Special Visit
Kennin-ji · HigashiyamaKeihan 「祇園四条」Station · about 7 min walkOpen in Google Maps ↗
The Kennin-ji Early Morning Special Visit, organized by the Kyoto City Tourism Association, runs on only two autumn dates in 2026: 10 October (Saturday) and 24 October (Saturday), from 08:30 to 10:00 (about 90 minutes). A monk guides visitors through the temple before opening hours, including the Wind and Thunder Gods screens (high-resolution reproduction), the Twin Dragons ceiling of the Dharma Hall, and the normally closed bathhouse. ¥5,000 per person, adults and children the same, payable in cash on the day.
Before you go
Kennin-ji is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. This special visit takes place in the quiet of early morning, before the gates open, with a monk as guide. Highlights include a high-resolution reproduction of Sotatsu Tawaraya's National Treasure 'Wind and Thunder Gods' screens, the Chōon-tei garden, the Dharma Hall with its Twin Dragons ceiling painting by Koizumi Junsaku, and the bathhouse, normally closed to the public. Every participant receives an original Kennin-ji souvenir.
- A special visit before opening hours, guided by a monk.
- See the Wind and Thunder Gods screens (high-resolution reproduction) and the Twin Dragons ceiling painting.
- The normally closed bathhouse is specially opened for this visit.
- Every participant receives an original Kennin-ji souvenir.
- Getting there
- Meeting point: the Kennin-ji admission reception (Honbo). From Kyoto Station, take city bus 206 to 'Higashiyama Yasui' and walk about 5 minutes; or walk about 7 minutes from Keihan Railway's Gion-shijo Station.
- Booking
- Reservations are fully advance-only via the Japanese online form (Select-type), due by 10:00 two days before your chosen date. Phone bookings are not accepted (enquiries: 075-561-6363). ¥5,000 per person, adults and children the same, payable in cash at reception on the day. Groups of 5–20; if fewer than 5 apply, the session is cancelled and you are notified by email after 10:00 two days before.
What language is the guided tour in?
The organizers have not stated the guide language.
Can children join?
Yes; the fee is the same for adults and children.
What happens if fewer than 5 people apply?
The session is cancelled and you are notified by email after 10:00 two days before.
Can I pay by credit card?
The organizers require cash payment on the day.
When is the booking deadline?
10:00 two days before your chosen date.
Sources Early Morning Special Visit booking page (official, Kyoto City Tourism Association DMO) · Kyoto Sightseeing Navi event page (official, City of Kyoto)
- Address (for taxis)
- 京都市東山区大和大路通四条下る小松町584