Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzenji Temple which includes religious aspects, a city and a temple or place of worship
Art, elaborate gardens and a giant gate await at this temple that stands tall as one of the most important of its kind in the country.

Tourists gather at the Nanzenji Zen Buddhist temple nestled at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains. It is known throughout Japan for its spiritual importance as the head of a branch of Rinzai Zen. The shrine, which is decorated by multicolored trees, is packed full of antique paintings and ornate gardens.

Gaze up at the 72-foot-high (22-metre) Sanmon Gate. From the balcony at the top of the gate, take vibrant photos of the green, orange and red foliage with a mountainous landscape beyond them. Marvel at the 124 sliding-door paintings from the Kano school of art. Many of the works portray tigers. Visit in the fall to make the most of the changing colours of the leaves.

Find yourself in the elegant Hojo Garden. It consists of rocks, small pebbles and sand. The Tsuiji Wall surrounding the grounds is made from mud. The particular arrangement of the stones is known as the “mother tiger and her cubs crossing a river.” Admire a charming waterfall from the tearoom. Check out the Lake Biwa aqueduct from the late 19th century within the temple’s grounds. Visit one of the complex’s 12 sub-temples, which include Nanzen-in, Konchi-in and Tenjuan.

Originally a retirement home for an emperor in the 13th century, the building was later converted into a Zen temple. There is a fee to enter the gardens and certain buildings, although the temple precincts are free. The complex is closed annually for the last few days of December.

Nanzenji Temple is located in the northeastern sector of the city. The nearest subway station is Keage, which is on the Tozai Line. It is only a few minutes away on foot. The Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop is close. These transportation links can be accessed easily from Kyoto Station. Nearby sites include the Philosopher’s Walk, Konchi-in Temple and Okazaki Park.

Plan a trip to see Nanzen-ji Temple

KABIN Kyoto
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
3 out of 5
Shijo-Dori, Fuya, Nishihairu, Tachiuri, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
3.5 out of 5
71-1 Daikokucho, Kawaramachi-dori, Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
3.5 out of 5
420 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
4.5 out of 5
1 Awataguchi Kachocho, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo
3.5 out of 5
34 Nanzenji Fukuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
3 out of 5
396, Gojokarasuma, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Ryokan KANADE
Ryokan KANADE
4 out of 5
1-2, Okazaki Hoshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Ryokan KANADE
Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo
3 out of 5
407-6 Wakokucho, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.