Zen Temples in Kyoto,

KENNIN-JI TEMPLE is part of the Rinzai Zen tradition

and considered to be the oldest temple of its kind in the city. Over the centuries, the shrine was often devastated by fire. Consequently, it was repeatedly rebuilt. It also has 14 subtemples on the Kennin-ji precincts and about 70 associated temples throughout Japan.

Kenninji stands in serene contrast to the nightly drama of lust and debauchery in nearby Gion, but has until recently attracted few visitors. Few would have been aware that behind the high walls and locked doors and gates are some exquisite works of Japanese art and Zen gardens.
Kennin-ji Gardens you can see on a page: Zen Gardens 2 in Kyoto.

Kenninji was founded on the request of Emperor and with the support of Shogun in 1202 by the monk Eisai who said to have brought Zen to Japan.

TOFUKU-JI TEMPLE is one of the greatest temple complex in southern Kyoto.

The temple was founded in 1236. Tofukuji has historically been one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto, and is a head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Like so many temples in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji burned down but was each time rebuilt according to the original plans.

Tofuku-ji has many sub-temples spread in or around its outer walls. Tofuku-ji itself consists in three areas: (1) the main grounds, which can be accessed freely, (2) the hojo and its gardens and (3) the bridge and the founder's hall. Several parts of temple grounds are free to enter, including the area around some of its largest and most impressive buildings.

The 22 meter tall Sanmon Gate is the oldest Zen gate of its kind, dating back to 1425. Behind the gate is the Hondo (main hall), which is even larger. Surrounding those two massive structures are a number of temple buildings that are rare examples of surviving Zen architecture from that era, including the meditation hall, belfry, bath and lavatory.

The main grounds include several important buildings, such as the main hall and the main gate. But the fact is that it's not the most interesting thing in Tofuku-ji. That honour goes to the Hojo and its gardens. The Hojo is the head priest's former living quarters.

Gardens at Tofukuji's Hojo are unique for surrounding the building on all sides. Each garden has a different character, employing pebbles, large rocks, moss, trees and checkered patterns.
See a special page on the subject: Tofukuji Zen Gardens Kyoto.

The other area consists of the above mentioned Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall, which serves as the mausoleum of the temple's first head priest. The stone path in front of the Kaisando is flanked by contrasting gardens on both sides, a dry rock garden on the left and a lush pond garden on the right.

DAITOKUJI TEMPLE, 大徳寺, possesses numberless cultural treasures

in the form of landscape gardens, calligraphy, sliding screen paintings, hanging scrolls, tea houses, and many implements associated with the tea ceremony. Many of the finest of these treasures are located in Daitoku-ji’s twenty-two subtemples.

It is a separate world within Kyoto – a world of Zen temples, perfectly raked gardens and wandering lanes. It's one of the most rewarding destinations in the city, particularly for those with an interest in Japanese gardens. The temple serves as the headquarters of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.