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Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺) is a prominent Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It was established in 1291 when Emperor Kameyama converted his detached palace into a Zen temple, and it is now a major head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
The expansive temple complex encompasses several notable structures, including the Sanmon gate (a designated Important Cultural Property) and the Chokushimon gate (a designated National Treasure). The temple also includes the Hatto (Dharma Hall) and the Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters), both of which showcase the temple’s rich history and architectural grandeur.
One of the main attractions of Nanzenji Temple is its picturesque gardens, featuring serene ponds, cascading waterfalls, and meticulously designed traditional Japanese landscaping. The gardens are particularly captivating during the fall foliage season, with vibrant colors, and the spring cherry blossom season, with delicate pink blooms.
Another remarkable feature within the temple complex is the Suirokaku aqueduct, a brick arch bridge carrying the Lake Biwa Canal across the temple grounds.
Nanzenji Temple also boasts a connection to several prominent figures in Japanese history, including Emperor Kameyama, who founded the temple, and the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu, who frequented the temple and contributed to the development of the tea ceremony within its walls.
Visitors to Nanzenji Temple can explore the various sub-temples (塔頭) within the complex, such as Tenjuan, known for its stunning dry landscape garden, and Konchi-in, which showcases Momoyama-period shoin-style architecture and beautiful gardens. Nanzen-in, the temple’s founding sub-temple, also features a captivating garden designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
Getting there
From Kyoto Station to Nanzenji Temple:
| Train | Kyoto Station ↓ Karasuma Line ↓ 5 minutes (3 stops) Karasuma Oike Station ↓ Tozai Line ↓ 7 minutes (4 stops) Keage Station ↓ Walk about 12 minutes ↓ Nanzenji Temple (260 yen) |
| Walk | About 1 hour 15 minutes (5.2 km) |
Details
| Hours | December 1st to February 28th / 8:40 AM – 4:30 PM March 1st to November 30th / 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Hojo Garden Adults: 600 yen High school students: 500 yen Junior high school and Elementary students: 400 yen Sanmon Gate Adults: 600 yen High school students: 500 yen Junior high school and Elementary students: 400 yen Nanzenin Adults: 400 yen High school students: 300 yen Junior high school and Elementary students: 250 yen |
| Phone | +81 75-771-0365 |
| Address | 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435 |
| Official Website | https://nanzenji.or.jp/ |
