What other travelers are saying about Nanzen-ji Temple
Amazing zen temple a bit away from main Kyoto attractions. There was not that many tourists there as in most popular temples which contributed to the calm and spiritual vibe. If you can I recommend going for matcha tea room there as it’s so beautiful and relaxing. I absolutely recommend coming there to enjoy cultural side of Kyoto.
We are a family of 5 and were looking for an alternative to the busy tourist areas of Kyoto. At Nanzen-ji this is exactly what we found. Very few people between 9 and 11 am. Beautiful views and impressive landscaping and historical buildings. We explored the area for about 2 hours. Highly recommended!
A peaceful and beautiful temple to explore.
We visited on a Friday and although many of the buildings were closed, it was still absolutely worth it. The grounds are stunning - very green, tranquil, and spacious. It feels different from some other temples, more immersive in nature. A lovely place for a quiet walk and to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
A bit of walk to get to. The nearest bus stop is 10 minutes walk, but it takes you through a beautiful part of the city. Interesting aqueduct that's worth checking out. The grounds are very peaceful and the sound of running water is all around you.
Beautiful Buddhist temple which was not too crowded when visited. What I liked the most was the extremely well kept and detailed zen garden, it was raining during my visit so it felt extremely peaceful and calm. Really enjoyed some time to rest and think about life while looking to the beautiful wooden structure of the temple and beautiful gardens. At the entrance the massive gate really surprised me, incredible structure.
Established in the mid-13th century, Nanzen-ji has played a pivotal role in the history of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It has been a center of Zen Buddhist learning and practice for centuries.
Key attractions include the Sanmon gate, which offers panoramic views of Kyoto, the Hojo with its beautiful rock garden, the Nanzen-in sub-temple, and the aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds.
While Nanzen-ji Temple is primarily a place for visiting and sightseeing, some sub-temples may offer Zen meditation sessions or other religious experiences, especially for those interested in learning about Zen practices.
Nanzen-ji Temple is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning in autumn when the maple leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange. Spring, with its cherry blossoms, is also a popular time to visit.
Nanzen-ji Temple is accessible by Kyoto city buses or by walking from the nearest subway station, Keage Station on the Tozai Line. It's also at the southern end of the Philosopher's Path, making it a nice destination or starting point for a walk along this famous path.
