栖賢寺

Seikenji is a Zen temple in Kyoto with a traditional layout that includes a main hall, several auxiliary buildings, and a bell tower. The structures surround a central courtyard following the typical arrangement of a Buddhist monastery.

The temple was founded during the Kamakura period by monk Chikudo and originally stood in Amagasaki. It was relocated to its current location in Kyoto's Sakyo ward in the 1930s.

The temple keeps Buddhist artworks on display, including a wooden statue of Chikudo Engaku carved during the period of competing dynasties. Visitors can view these objects as they walk through the different buildings.

The site is easily reached on foot, roughly 7 minutes east of Miyake-Hachiman Station on the Eizan Electric Railway. From there, the path crosses the Takano River to reach the temple grounds.

The temple bell dates from 1931 and is called the Thousand People Bell because it was created through donations from over 1,100 people. This communal creation shows a special connection between the temple and those who supported it.