A beautiful and tranquil temple. There were very few visitors since it was winter, but I was told it becomes quite busy in summer. There's not much to do apart from strolling around the temple and enjoying the rock gardens, which make for nice photos. If you're interested in history and spiritual teachings, it's a worthwhile visit, but if that's not your thing, it might not be worth the effort to go.
With very few tourists and vast temple grounds, it looks stunning when it snows. I recommend cycling here; the temple provides a bicycle parking area. We rented bikes using 'Hello Cycling' and securely locked them in the parking area.
Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), situated at the foot of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, is among the most significant Zen temples in Japan. Established in 1291 during the Kamakura period, it is the head temple of the Nanzenji school within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The origins of the temple date back to Emperor Kameyama, who constructed his retirement villa on this site before transforming it into a Zen temple.
Nanzenji is known for its serene ambiance, stunning architecture, and historical significance. The Sanmon gate, an impressive wooden structure built in 1628, stands as one of the temple's iconic elements. Visitors can ascend to the top for breathtaking views of Kyoto and its surrounding mountains. This gate also serves as a memorial for those who lost their lives during the 1615 siege of Osaka Castle.
The temple complex features various sub-temples and exquisite gardens. Among these is the Hojo, the former abbot’s quarters, which boasts a classic Zen rock garden, reflecting the simplicity and meticulous design characteristic of Zen aesthetics. Another remarkable feature is the brick aqueduct from the Meiji period that runs through the temple grounds, seamlessly blending historical periods and serving as a popular photo opportunity.
Nanzenji’s peaceful environment and rich history provide a space for deep spiritual reflection, allowing visitors to connect with Zen philosophy while exploring one of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural landmarks that beautifully integrates nature, art, and spirituality.
The extensive grounds are perfect for combining a visit with the Philosopher's Path and Eikando Zenrinji. You can purchase a ticket to climb the wooden gates, but there's plenty to explore within the grounds as well, which is usually enough to appreciate the impressive structures.
This shrine is quite decent. It was cold, and I had little interest in expressing my thoughts about the surroundings, spending two hours sitting in the cold, lost in my own thoughts while watching the rain. Inside is even chillier because you're required to remove your shoes.
