What other travelers are saying about Nanzen-ji Temple
World heritage Nanzen-ji temple is famous for big garden, building, autumn leaves and arch shaped bridge. Difficult to take pictures since crowded place. Arch shaped bridge is a water cannel.
Entrance free, great place to enjoy autumn leaves. Has become stage for lots of Japanese movies and tele dramas.
Not very far from the station, walkable distance.
4th December Wednesday 12pm visit.
I only visited the exterior grounds which was free, that alone was super beautiful. Plenty of nice spots but also crowded. Nonetheless worth the visit.
While the rest of the grounds are free to visit, but the temple itself has a 600 yen entrance fee. It's worth it though. The gardens are beautiful and the panels in each of the rooms are exquisite (can't take pictures of the latter though). Wow these zen monks sure knew how to live it up in style 😂
Nanzen-ji is one of the most breathtaking temples I visited in Kyoto and quickly became a personal favorite. Walking through the temple complex feels like stepping back in time to feudal Japan. The architecture and serene surroundings give it an authentic historical atmosphere that’s incredibly peaceful. I can only imagine how stunning it would be during the fall when the leaves change color, making it even more picturesque.
Nanzen-ji is one of the most famous Rinzai Zen temples in Japan, and its expansive grounds are filled with beautiful structures and gardens to explore. Located close to other popular temples, it’s a great spot to visit if you’re temple hopping in Kyoto. The size and beauty of the complex make it a must-see, and its proximity to other landmarks makes it easy to fit into any Kyoto itinerary.
