A sprawling Zen paradise surrounded by lush green hills, to offer many temple buildings, a dry sand garden, and a large brick aqueduct in its huge precincts
Nanzen-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, was originally a residence of the Emperor at the end of the 13th century. Converted into a temple, it was destroyed by fire during internal conflicts but was rebuilt in the early Edo Period. The temple’s grand gate, standing 22 meters tall, marks the entrance.
The residence of the chief priest, built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, features the Shinden-zukuri architectural style. Inside, 124 Japanese paintings on the sliding doors are designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government.
Adjacent to the residence is the Hojo Garden, a Karesansui-style rock garden, known for its unique arrangement of stones and white sand. Surrounded by a Tsuiji wall (mud wall with a tiled roof), the garden features six stones placed along the wall. The stones’ systematic arrangement is famously interpreted as “a mother tiger and her cubs crossing the river.”
Aqueduct
Outside the Hojo Garden, visitors will encounter a striking sight—a large brick aqueduct running through the temple grounds. Built during the Meiji Period (1868–1912), this aqueduct is part of a canal system designed to transport water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa in neighboring Shiga Prefecture.
Paths alongside the canal lead into the surrounding forest, and the European-style aqueduct has become a popular photo spot for tourists.
Surrounded by stunning mountains, the area is one of Kyoto’s top spots for viewing autumn leaves. Be sure to visit Tenjuan, a sub-temple within the precinct, to experience even more autumnal beauty.
Nanzen-ji Temple（南禅寺）
Address : Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access : 10minute walk from Keage station on the Kyoto subway Tozai-line.
Hours : 8:40 to 16:40
Closed : Dec. 28-31
Admission : Free in the temple precincts
Hojo Garden : 500 yen (regular fee)
Sanmon Gate : 500 yen (regular fee)
Nanzen-in : 300 yen (regular fee)