About Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji Temple is the head temple of the Nanzenji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City. As a “special” Zen temple, ranking above the Kyoto Five Mountains, it boasts the highest status among Zen temples in Japan.
History and Status
Founded in 1291 (Shoo 4), it was established using the detached palace of Emperor Kameyama, with Mukan Fumon (Daimyo Kokushi) as its founding abbot. During the Muromachi period, it was ranked as the highest-ranking temple among the “Five Mountains” by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and has flourished as a central figure in Japanese Zen Buddhism for over 700 years since then.
Within its vast grounds of approximately 45,000 tsubo (about 150,000 square meters), numerous valuable cultural assets remain, including the National Treasure Sanmon Gate, the Important Cultural Property Hojo (abbot’s quarters), and the Hojo Garden, a designated Place of Scenic Beauty.
Points to Note During Your Visit
National Treasure “Sanmon Gate”
The magnificent Sanmon Gate, standing 22 meters tall, was rebuilt in 1628 by Todo Takatora to commemorate those who died in the Summer Siege of Osaka. From the upper floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city, and it is also known for Ishikawa Goemon’s famous line, “What a magnificent view, what a magnificent view!”
- Admission Fee: 600 yen extra for access to the upper floor of the Sanmon Gate
- Highlights: Ceiling paintings by Kano Tan’yu and Kano Sadayoshi, and the Sixteen Arhats statues
Hojo Garden (Scenic Spot)
The dry landscape garden surrounding the Hojo is a must-see, including the “Tiger Cub Crossing Garden,” said to have been created by Kobori Enshu. The arrangement of white sand and large stones creates a magnificent harmony, expressing the spiritual world of Zen.
- Admission Fee for Hojo (abbot’s quarters): 600 yen
- Features: Each of the large and small Hojo (abbot’s quarters) has a garden with a different atmosphere.
- Best Season: Fresh greenery (May), autumn leaves (mid-to-late November)
Suirakaku (Aqueduct)
Completed in 1890 (Meiji 23), this is part of the Lake Biwa Canal and is a 93-meter-long brick arch bridge. Its unique landscape, where Western architecture blends seamlessly with the ancient Zen temple, makes it a popular photo spot.
Sub-temples
Nanzenji Temple has 12 sub-temples, of which Nanzen-in, Tenju-an, and Konchi-in are open year-round.
- Nanzen-in: The birthplace of Nanzen-ji Temple, the imperial villa garden of Emperor Kameyama (a designated scenic spot)
- Tenju-an: A dry landscape garden and pond garden, famous for its autumn foliage
- Konchi-in: The Crane and Turtle Garden designed by Kobori Enshu (a designated scenic spot)
Benefits
Nanzen-ji Temple, as a Zen Buddhist temple, is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Mental concentration and realization of desires through Zen meditation
- Academic Success: Improvement of academics as a Zen training ground
- Family Safety: A history as a place of prayer for the Imperial family associated with Emperor Kameyama
- Protection from Evil: Dispelling worldly desires by passing through the Sanmon gate
Early morning Zen meditation sessions (6:00 AM onwards, free) are held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, and are open to the public.
Access
Access by Train
- Keage Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line): Approximately 10-minute walk (nearest station)
- Sanjo Station (Keihan Railway): Approximately 20-minute walk, or by bus
Access by Bus
- Kyoto City Bus Route 5: Get off at “Nanzenji/Eikando-michi” bus stop, approximately 10-minute walk
- Kyoto City Bus Route 100: Get off at “Okazaki Hoshoji-cho” bus stop, approximately 5-minute walk
Access by Car
Approximately 20 minutes from the Kyoto East Interchange on the Meishin Expressway. There is a parking lot for visitors on the temple grounds (1,000 yen for 2 hours, 50 spaces). However, it is recommended to use public transportation during the autumn foliage season due to congestion.
Visiting Information
- Visiting Hours:
- March to November: 8:40 AM to 5:00 PM
- December to February: 8:40 AM to 4:30 PM
- Admission Fee:
- Free entry to the grounds (Sanmon Gate and Hojo Hall require separate fees)
- Hojo Garden: 600 yen
- Sanmon Gate: 600 yen
- Address: 606-8435 Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Inquiries: 075-771-0365
Nearby Attractions
Nanzenji Temple is surrounded by many of Kyoto’s most famous tourist spots within walking distance, including Eikan-do Temple (Zenrin-ji Temple), the Philosopher’s Path, and Heian Shrine. A leisurely half-day to full-day stroll is recommended.
