basic information

Nanzenji is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto's eastern hills. As head temple of the Rinzai sect's Nanzenji school of Zen Buddhism, it is one of Japan's most important Zen temples.

Nanzenji was first built as an imperial villa in 1264, and became a temple in 1291. Its main building, the Seiryo-den, is famous for a beautiful rock garden and sliding doors (fusuma), which are decorated by paintings of the Kano School.

The temple's large entrance gate, completed in 1628, is called Sanmon. Several subtemples and a water aqueduct, which is part of the Lake Biwa Canal dating from 1890, can be found in the vicinity of Nanzenji's main buildings.

Among the subtemples open to the public are Nanzenin, directly behind the water aqueduct, whose small but pretty garden is particularly spectacular with autumn leaves (usually best in the second half of November), and the scarcely visited Konchiin, standing southwest of the Sanmon gate.

Garden of Nanzenin

Konchiin

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how to get there

Nanzenji can be reached by bus number 5 from Kyoto Station. Alternatively, take the subway Tozai Line to Keage Station (transfer from Karasuma Line at Karasuma Oike Station) from where the temple can be reached in a 10 minute walk.

Nanzenji is also a good starting or end point for a walk along the Path of Philosophy to/from Ginkakuji.

Orientation in Kyoto

Hours: 8:40 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December through February)
Admission: 500 Yen (Nanzenji), 500 Yen (Sanmon Gate), 300 Yen (Nanzenin)

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 532
Users who have been to Nanzenji Temple: 83

18th of 36 most visited sights in Kyoto.
64th of 386 most visited sights nationwide.

VIDEO Kyoto - Beyond Gion Look around and explore beyond the downtown geisha districts.

hotels & ryokan

bAKpAK Kyoto Hostel Funky, hip, & most centrally located hostel in downtown Kyoto city, right in midst of everything you need for your vacation! Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Ryokan Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby.

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