南禅寺

Nanzen-ji Temple

Important Zen Temple w/ a Roman Aqueduct

Operating Hours

08:40 to 16:30, Last Entry 16:10 (Daily)

08:40 to 17:00, Last Entry 16:40 (Daily)

Cost

¥400

Nanzen-in (Temple Grounds)

¥600

San-mon

¥600

Hojo

Nanzen-ji Temple was founded in 1291 after converted his detached palace into today’s . In the system which denotes the ten most important Zen temples (five in Kyoto, and five in Kamakura) in Japan, the Nanzen-ji is place in a separate class by itself, above all the 10 other Zen temples.
Aqueduct near Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Credit: Samuel Berner (Unsplash)

Recommended Spots in Nanzen-ji Temple

Gate of Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

三門

San-mon

When you first enter the temple, you will find the San-mon, an Important Cultural Property, with the name said to be inspired by the San-ge-datsu-mon (三解脱門), the three gates of spiritual freedom in Buddhism. Unlike most temple gates, this two-story gate has a balcony on the second floor that gives you a view of Kyoto from above the tree-line.

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Aqueduct near Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

水路閣

Suirokaku

An unexpected sight on the temple grounds is the Nanzen-ji Aqueduct that was constructed in 1890 and transports water from the nearby Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, into Kyoto. This red-brick aqueduct features a Roman-style design, and is still in-use even today.

Optional Stops in Nanzen-ji Temple

Exterior of Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

方丈

Hojo

This national treasure was formerly the Abbott’s quarters on the temple grounds, and is famous for its rock zen garden that is said to resemble tigers and their cubs crossing through water that is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

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Nanzen-ji Temple Is Mentioned In

Getting to Nanzen-ji Temple

From

蹴上駅

Keage Station

T

09

東西線

Tozai Line

Take Exit 1

Walk
13 mins
900m
Main temple building at Kiyomizudera at night in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

京都

Kyoto

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