Nanzen-ji Temple

南禅寺

One of most important Zen temples in Japan, head of Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. Founded 1291. Famous for massive two-story Sanmon gate (1628, 22m high) and scenic brick aqueduct (1890 Meiji period). Emperor Kameyama's former palace site. Tofu cuisine nearby (yudofu).

Visit: 1-2 hours (add 30 min if climbing Sanmon, 1 hour for sub-temples)

Entrance: Temple grounds free, Sanmon gate 600 yen, Hojo garden 600 yen, sub-temples 300-400 yen each

Hours: 8:40 AM - 5:00 PM (Mar-Nov), 8:40 AM - 4:30 PM (Dec-Feb)

Highlights & Must-See Features

Massive Sanmon gate (22m high) - climb for panoramic city views
Brick aqueduct (Suirokaku) - Lake Biwa Canal, iconic photo spot
Hojo garden with famous leaping tiger paintings (Kano school)
Multiple beautiful sub-temples (Nanzen-in, Konchi-in, Tenju-an)
Spectacular autumn foliage (November)
Tofu cuisine restaurants (yudofu specialty)

📍 How to Get There

Nearest Station

Keage Station (Tozai Subway Line) - 10 minutes walk

Step-by-Step Directions

1 From Kyoto Station: Subway Tozai Line to Keage (20 minutes, 260 yen)
2 From Keage Station: 10 minute walk downhill
3 From Ginkaku-ji: Walk Philosopher's Path (2km, 30-40 minutes)
4 From Heian Jingu: 15 minute walk east
5 Bus 5 to Nanzenji Eikando-michi also works

Location & Maps

🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Latitude: 35.011564

Longitude: 135.794314

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Best Time to Visit

Autumn (mid-November) for spectacular foliage - maple trees around aqueduct stunning. Early morning for peaceful atmosphere and dramatic light on brick aqueduct. Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) at nearby restaurants.