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.
Visit the Hojo, the former head priest's residence, for a perfect introduction to Kyoto's traditional dry landscape gardens, and enjoy taking in the history of Nanzenji's branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
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.
Getting There:
An expansive temple complex surrounded by nature
Head to the base of the Higashiyama mountains for a day exploring Nanzenji. Visit the Hojo, the former head priest's residence, for a perfect introduction to Kyoto's traditional dry landscape gardens, and enjoy taking in the history of Nanzenji's branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
How to Get There: Nanzenji is located in the northern Higashiyama area of Kyoto. Access Nanzenji from Kyoto Station by bus, subway or taxi.
It is an easy walk to Nanzenji from the nearby bus stop and subway station. Keage Station on the Tozai subway line is the closest station, a 7-minute walk. The Keage bus stop is only a 10-minute walk from the temple.
Walking is a great option, as the Philosopher's Path leads directly to Nanzenji from Ginkakuji Temple , also known as the Silver Pavilion.
Admission Fee: It's free to enter the grounds but there is a 600 Yen fee to enter the temple building and the sub temples.
Opening Hours: 08:40 am to 5 pm.
Importance Rating: 8 - this is one of Kyoto's top sights.
Busyness Rating: 8 - it gets busy.
Top Tips: Climb to the top of Sanmon Gate for a view of the city. Be sure to visit the adjoining Nanzenin, Konchiin and Tenjuan temples. Enjoy a cup of tea next to a small waterfall in the Hojo.
The sheer scale of Nanzenji makes time fly by. You can easily spend an entire day here.
