Nanzen-ji
Zen temple · Sakyō, Kyoto

Nanzen-ji

Photo: 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

One of Kyoto's most important Zen temples, set at the foot of the eastern hills. Highlights include a massive wooden entrance gate you can climb and a brick aqueduct from the 1890s that runs through the grounds. Several sub-temples have quiet gardens.

On day 5 of Kyoto in 5 days

Good to know

Time to spend
1–1.5 hours
Tickets
Grounds and aqueduct free; paid entry for Sanmon gate and gardens
Best time
Morning; November for autumn leaves
Getting there
Keage Station (Tozai subway line), 10 min walk

Itineraries with Nanzen-ji

Day 5 of Kyoto in 5 days

The Philosopher's Path into Gion

How Nanzen-ji fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Ginkaku-jiSakyō
  2. 10:00Philosopher's PathSakyō
  3. 12:00Nanzen-jiSakyō
  4. 17:00Gion and Hanami-koji at duskGion
See all 5 days
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Nanzen-ji questions

Is Nanzen-ji free?

Walking the grounds and seeing the aqueduct is free. The Sanmon gate, abbot's garden and Nanzen-in charge entry.

What is the aqueduct at Nanzen-ji?

The Suirokaku, part of the Lake Biwa Canal built in the 1890s to bring water to Kyoto. It still carries water today.

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