A Golden Route for Seeing the Temples

As you exit Konchi-in, you’ll see the entrance of Nanzen-ji temple just ahead. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (when the capital was under the governance of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi), there was an infamous gang of thieves running around Kyoto. At the head of the gang was a man called Ishikawa Goemon, who has become very famous as the subject of and character in Kabuki plays. Legends says that while here at Nanzen-ji temple, Goemon was so impressed by the view from atop the 22-meter tall Sanmon Gate that he cried out, “What an amazing view!”

Even from under the Sanmon Gate, you will still get an “amazing view”. We’re certain you’ll be delighted by the picturesque sight of the Sanmon Gate fringed on both sides by fresh green verdure in the summer, and the landscape framed by red and yellow leaves in the autumn. Another notable feature of Nanzen-ji temple is the aqueduct. This structure that stands on the temple grounds may come across a rather odd sight. Constructed over 100 years ago, this aqueduct is still used to carry water from Lake Biwa (located in neighboring Shiga Prefecture), which is Japan’s largest lake and Kyoto’s most important water source. Today, this historical structure is still a basic social infrastructure indispensable for daily lives.

Everywhere on the temple grounds you’ll see people enjoying taking pictures or finding a perfectly-sized rock where they can sit and rest their travel-weary feet. Although this is a popular tourist destination, because there are no strictly set routes to follow, you can stroll through the temple grounds at your own pace and leisure, which is one of the alluring features of Nanzen-ji temple. Visitors can move around as they desire to find their own favorite or fun spot to enjoy the view. Please come to find your own personal “amazing view”.