Kanpen was successively appointed betto (administrator) of Koryu-ji Temple, choja (head priest) of To-ji Temple, homu (director) of To-ji Temple, betto (administrator) of Ninna-ji Temple and betto (administrator) of Engyo-ji Temple, as well as being granted the rank of Daisojo (a Buddhist priest of the highest order) in 1161.
広隆寺別当・東寺長者・東寺法務・東大寺別当・仁和寺別当・円教寺別当を歴任し、1161年（応保元年）大僧正に至った。