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).
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
35.011564 135.794314 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
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.
Contact & Info
Fukuchi-cho, Nanzenji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Nanzen-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Eikan-do Zenrin-ji
永観堂禅林寺
600 yen regular season, 1,000 yen peak autumn (Nov 7-30), illuminations 600 yen additional · 1-1.5 hours (2-3 hours in November due to crowds and wanting to savor views)
Shogunzuka Seiryuden
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500 yen, illuminations 500 yen · 1 hour (enjoy views)
Okazaki Shrine
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Shinnyo-do Temple
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Free (garden areas require 500 yen November only) · 30-45 minutes
Reikan-ji Temple
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600 yen (when open) · 30 minutes (when open)
Konkaikomyo-ji Temple
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Grounds free. Special viewings (autumn/spring): 1,000 yen · 45 minutes - 1 hour