Nanzen-ji Temple is one of the most popular Rinzai Zen temples in Japan, located at the base of the Higashiyama mountain in East Kyoto.
The massive gate at the entrance of the temple is called San Mon, dating back to the 13th century (but rebuilt over the years). The upper floor features various images and paintings of the Buddha.
The temple features a wide terrace, the main hall, a Zen garden, an altar, a pond and a sliding door with the painting of a tiger drinking water. This temple is notable for its 132 screen painted images in the main hall (the Hojo).
The garden houses a mausoleum where the remains of the Grand Emperor Kameyama is buried.
Outside the Hojo visitors will come across a rather odd sight: a large brick aqueduct that passes through the temple grounds.
Built during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the aqueduct is part of a canal system that was constructed to carry water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa in neighbouring Shiga Prefecture.
The gardens here are especially striking in Autumn and at their best in the second half of November.
The temple is at the southern end of the Philosopher's Path, with Ginkakuji at the northern end.
It's free to enter the grounds but there is a fee to enter the temple building and the sub temples.