Kennin-ji is Japan’s first authentic Zen temple. It is a prestigious temple that was ranked highest in the Goshin system, introduced to establish the status of temples, following the example of China. The eminent Chinese monk, Lanxi Daolong, came to Japan in 1246 to transmit Zen. Impressed by Daolong’s character, the Kamakura shogun, Hōjō Tokiyori, established Kennin-ji as the first Zen temple in Japan and appointed Daolong as its first head priest. Kennin-ji enshrines a main gate and a statue of Jizo Bodhisattva (a bodhisattva who vows to save all beings from heaven to hell and help them attain enlightenment) in accordance with Zen teachings.
Sanmon Gate
The Sanmon gate is referred to as “San-mon(三門：Three Gate)” in Zen temples like Kenchoji Temple, as opposed to the more common term “Sanmon” (山門：mountain gate) for temple gates in general. This is because it symbolizes the “three gates of liberation,” which are “emptiness” (realizing that all is empty), “signlessness” (realizing the absence of distinctions in all things), and “wishlessness” (realizing the natural state of things), abbreviated from the “three gates of liberation.
Bonshou
Inside Kenchoji Temple, to the right of the Sanmon gate, there is a thatched-roof bell tower where a precious bell from the time of its founding hangs. This large bell, approximately 2 meters in height and 1.25 meters in diameter, was cast by the metalworker Mononobe no Shigemitsu under the commission of The Shogun Samurai general, Hōjō Tokiyori in the 7th year of the Kenchō era (1255). It bears an inscription by the monk Lanxi Daolong.
Butsu Den
The main deity of Kennin-ji Temple, Jizo Bosatsu, was enshrined due to its founding at the site of a former execution ground known as Jigokudani.
Jizo Bosatsu is believed to traverse various realms, even descending to hell to provide salvation.
Hojo
In temples, a multipurpose space is called a “hōjō.” It serves as the residence for the priests and also as a guest room. Additionally, a zazen meditation session is held every Saturday, where general participants can experience zazen under the guidance of the head priest. I highly recommend participating in this.
Furthermore, this building is open to the public for viewing, and from this building, you can see the beautiful Japanese-style garden attributed to Lanxi Daolong.
Kenchinjiru
Kenchin-jiru, famous as a soup in Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), is said to have originated from the monks of Kencho-ji temple. This traditional Kenchin-jiru, passed down for 700 years, is entirely plant-based due to its roots in Shojin Ryori. The broth is made from kombu (kelp) and shiitake mushrooms, while daikon radish, carrots, tofu, konjac, and other vegetables are stir-fried in sesame oil and simmered in the broth. You can enjoy this traditional Kenchin-jiru at Tenjin-an, located beside the entrance of Kencho-ji temple.
The Kenchin-jiru lunch set, served with rice balls, pickles, and simmered root vegetables, is priced at 1,100 yen.